Exploring support needs of people living with diabetes during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic: insights from a UK survey

Abstract

IntroductionThe coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has radically compromised healthcare for people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes. Government-imposed restrictions to contain the spread of the virus have forced people to suddenly adjust their lifestyle. This study aimed to capture the impact of the pandemic on people living with diabetes and the views of these individuals on ways in which the information, advice and support they are receiving could be improved.Research design and methodsAn online anonymous survey was distributed across the UK during the first lockdown and initial easing. The survey comprised questions about confidence in diabetes self-management, resources used to obtain information, advice and support, and opinions on how these could be improved. Open-ended questions captured subjective experiences.ResultsThe survey was completed by 773 adults with diabetes (69.2% type 1, 28.5% type 2). There was notable variability in the impact of the pandemic on confidence in self-management, with confidence having deteriorated most commonly in the ability to take care of own mental well-being (37.0% respondents) and improved most commonly in maintaining a healthy weight (21.1% respondents). 41.2% of respondents living alone reported not receiving any outside support. The quality of information, advice and support received from the healthcare team was rated poorly by 37.2%. Respondents sought greater communication and tailored advice from their care team, clear and consistent information from the government and news channels, and improved understanding of diabetes and its challenges from their personal networks and employers.ConclusionAdjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic has strained the mental health and well-being of people living with diabetes. Diabetes care teams must receive assistance to support these individuals without risking further inequalities in access to healthcare. Equipping personal networks and employers with knowledge on diabetes and skills to support self-management may reduce the burden on the National Health Service.

Self-care Behaviors and Technology Used During COVID-19: Systematic Review

“…A total of 20 studies reported on PA during the pandemic [ 18 , 20 , 24 , 26 - 29 , 33 - 45 ], and 35% (7/20) of these studies [ 28 , 33 , 38 , 40 - 43 ] reported on continual or increase in PA among the participants in their studies. Disruptions in routines, fear of going outdoors, lack of motivation, as well as increased anxiety and stress during COVID-19 led to the decline in PA in 65% (13/20) of these studies [ 18 , 20 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 29 , 34 - 37 , 39 , 44 , 45 ].…”

“…A total of 14 studies reported on dietary habits during the pandemic [ 18 - 20 , 24 , 27 , 29 , 30 , 33 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 41 , 45 , 46 ], and 50% (7/14) of these studies [ 19 , 20 , 33 , 37 , 38 , 41 , 46 ] reported improved diet management among their participants. Reasons were of increased time availability, with more meals being prepared at home and lockdown restrictions limiting takeaway consumptions among participants.…”

“…There was an association between better diet control and improved glycemic control reported among participants [ 19 , 33 , 37 , 38 , 41 , 46 ]. Poor diet control was found in 57% (8/14) of these studies [ 18 , 20 , 24 , 27 , 29 , 30 , 35 , 45 ], with participants reducing their consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables due to unavailability, as there were with disruptions to supplies and reduced frequency in shopping to minimize exposure during the pandemic [ 25 , 28 , 32 ]. Increase in unhealthy food consumption was due to multiple factors such as more sedentary time at home and changes in mood including lack of motivation, boredom, increased anxiety, and stress.…”

“…All 23 studies that examined access to health care providers during the pandemic found disruptions to health care services, with postponement or cancellation of consultations noted among their participants [ 19 - 25 , 27 - 32 , 40 , 42 , 44 , 45 , 47 - 52 ]. In the 23 studies that reported on access to health care providers, 57% (13/23) of these studies [ 19 , 20 , 23 , 24 , 29 , 31 , 32 , 36 , 42 , 46 ,​ 49 , 52 , 53 ] revealed participants used telehealth services in place of physical consultations with their health care team.…”

“…In the 23 studies that reported on access to health care providers, 57% (13/23) of these studies [ 19 , 20 , 23 , 24 , 29 , 31 , 32 , 36 , 42 , 46 ,​ 49 , 52 , 53 ] revealed participants used telehealth services in place of physical consultations with their health care team. Moreover, 13% (3/23) of these studies [ 21 , 40 , 45 ] found that difficulties in accessing health care services during the pandemic led to issues with glycemic control among the individuals. The results of technology used in the included studies are illustrated in Table 3 .…”