Commentary on "New-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus in the Paediatric Emergency Department: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic"

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has irrevocably changed the way the world functions. In particular, the pandemic resulted in unspeakable horrors in the healthcare field. The incidence and severity of many diseases varied as a result, and many researchers have attempted to identify what changes occurred in society, health, and people' s lives during this period. Research on adults and youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has focused on its occurrence, causes, and clinical aspects. Until now, there has been controversy about whether the increased incidence of T1DM and/or the severity of clinical symptoms are directly related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. [1][2][3][4] However, these articles proved that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of newly diagnosed T1DM in children increased, and clinically more severe symptoms appeared. 1,5,6) In addition, significant increases were observed in the global rates of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), severe DKA, high blood sugar, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels among children. 6,7) A possible cause is the poor accessibility of hospitals, as care for non-COVID-19-related diseases was reduced to control COVID-19 infection in healthcare institutions. Furthermore, many avoided hospitals to minimize exposure to SARS-CoV-2. 6,8) In addition, infection in children is potentially associated with pancreatic islet autoimmunity, promoting progression to apparent T1DM or precipitating stressors. 9) Therefore, some researchers have proposed that timely access to healthcare, an increase in public and healthcare providers' awareness of T1DM symptoms through public health education and screening campaigns, and proper diabetes management during pandemics or similar situations remain essential and key to avoiding similar increases in incidences of DKA or severe DKA in the future. 10) Recently, García Romero et al. 6) conducted a study on new-onset T1DM in the pediatric emergency department and assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. They determined the incidence and severity of newly diagnosed T1DM pediatric cases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. They found that fewer new-onset T1DM patients presented with simple hyperglycemia, and the number of T1DM patients increased following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the patients were stabilized and treatment established, the disease course was similar in the two periods. This cohort was characterized by increased consultations of the patients'/parents' volition rather than referrals from pediatricians. Although this article has some limitations, it will be a valuable resource for researchers who aim to research lockdown's influences on newly diagnosed T1DM patients, specifically children and adolescents, through larger samples and longer-term data. Additionally, these findings might suggest critical points for solving and preventing social health issues during quarantine states.