A recent study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice journal reveals an improved glycemic control in patients with Type 1 diabetes with better self management of disease during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

      People with Type 1 diabetes using the FreeStyle Libre FGM system for at least 3 months were included. The study cohort consisted of 307 patients with mean age of 45.8 ± 12.6 years, 50.2% male and with a diabetes duration 21.1 ± 12.3 years. The data from the 14 days before lockdown were compared with data from the last 14 days after 8 weeks of consecutive lockdown. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistics software version 25 and a paired Student’s T-test was performed to analyze the differences and a p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

      The study results showed that the mean glucose decreased from 166.89 ± 29.4 to 158.0 ± 29.0 mg/dL and estimated HbA1c declined from 7.4 ± 1.0 to 7.1 ± 1.0% (p < 0.001). Time in range increased from 57.8 ± 15.8 to 62.46 ± 16.1%. Time in hyperglycemia > 180 mg/dL and >250 mg/dL decreased from 37.3 ± 1.9% to 32.0 ± 17.1% and from 13.0 ± 11.3 to 10.3 ± 10.6%, respectively; (p < 0.001). Time in hypoglycaemia <70 mg/dL increased from 4.9 ± 4.0% to 5.5 ± 4.4% (p < 0.001). No differences in time <54 mg/dl, coefficient of variation (CV%) or number of scans per day were observed for the cohort.

      The study concluded that despite the limitations of lockdown, glycemic control was found to be improved in patients with T1D which sheds light on the fact that having more time for self-management may help improve glycemic control in the short term.