How did lockdown and social distancing policies change the eating habits of diabetic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic? A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundAfter the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments established national lockdowns and social distancing as an effective plan to control this disease. As a result of the lockdown policies, diabetic patients` access to food products, medication, and routine follow-ups is disrupted, making it difficult for them to control their disease.MethodsInternational databases, including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched until April 2022. All observational studies included assessing the impact of lockdown and social distancing on eating habits (as primary outcome), and glycemic and anthropometric indices (as secondary outcomes) of diabetic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Scale was used to assess the quality rating of the studies.ResultsOverall, 22 studies were included in this systematic review, the results of which varied in different communities. In most studies, consumption of grains, fruits, and vegetables was reported to increase. On the other hand, consumption of snacks and sweets was reported to increase in other surveys. During the COVID-19 lockdown, most diabetic patients preferred to cook meals at home, using less takeout, fast foods, and alcoholic drinks. Although the patients mostly improved their eating habits, the glycemic and anthropometric indices were contradictory in different studies. Studies showed that the eating habits of diabetic patients vary from country to country, even in some cases and studies done in the same country showed different results. For example, all the studies done in Japan showed an increase in the consumption of snacks and sweets, leading to weight gain in the patients. However, conflicting results in eating habits have been observed in studies conducted in India.ConclusionThe lockdown policies have led to a beneficial change in the eating habits of diabetic patients to consume more fruits and vegetables and reduce the consumption of animal protein products and alcoholic beverages. While some diabetic patients have increased consumption of snacks and sweets, leading to a disturbance in their glycemic and anthropometric indices control. Understanding the consequences of lockdown and social distancing of the diabetic patient during the COVID-19 pandemic can help public health authorities make better recommendations to improve glycemic control.

The roles of risk perception, negative emotions and perceived efficacy in the association between COVID-19 infection cues and preventive behaviors: a moderated mediation model

“…Given that most disease transmission occurs among family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbors, which has been observed during various pandemics [9][10][11], the presence of infection cues indicates an increased likelihood of infection [12]. Preventive behaviors involve voluntary actions to avoid infection during an influenza pandemic [13], such as hygiene behaviors, mask wearing, social distancing, and uptake of vaccinations [14]. Empirical research has suggested that infection cues promote the adoption of preventive behaviors [15,16].…”

The comorbidity of somatic symptom and major depressive disorders in the times of COVID-19 lockdown in adolescence: A case-report study

“…A study by Riad et al 7 reported that emotional instability, stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression are commonly observed after the war and are more prevalent in children and adolescents. 8,9,11,12 Second, pressures from a new school, country, and culture and being away from his family and friends developed emotional stress for our patient. A study by Foo et al 13 mentioned that adapting to new environments and cultural practices can lead to significant stress levels, which in turn is related to manifestations of mental disorders.…”

“…A study by Riad et al 7 reported that emotional instability, stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression are commonly observed after the war and are more prevalent in children and adolescents. 8,9,11,12…”

“…Psychiatric disorders were more prevalent during the lockdown (1.54 times) than in the post-lockdown period, and there was a positive correlation between lockdown and the incidence of depressive disorder (p < .001). 8,9…”

“…Psychiatric disorders were more prevalent during the lockdown (1.54 times) than in the post-lockdown period, and there was a positive correlation between lockdown and the incidence of depressive disorder (p < .001). 8,9 In this study, we discussed a 13-year-old Afghan boy who complained of generalized body pain and symptoms of depression and was misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia. He did not respond to treatment; therefore, his diagnosis of SSD and MDD were confirmed in further evaluation.…”