Incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis during COVID-19 pandemic: a meta-analysis of 124,597 children with diabetes

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on DKA severity in Black and White pediatric patients

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, with a known increase in severity and incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our institution also observed a rise in pediatric DKA cases in our largely underserved patient population. We hypothesized that the impact would be more pronounced in Black patients due to prepandemic healthcare inequities.

METHODS

To investigate this, we confirmed the increased number of severe DKA cases in our pediatric patients during the pandemic and then stratified data to compare laboratory values between Black and White patients. We analyzed patients with a DKA diagnosis admitted to our institution's pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) prior to the pandemic (March 2016 to December 2017) and during its peak (March 2020 to December 2021).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrated more cases of severe DKA overall during 2020-2021 and when compared to prepandemic years, a statistically significant increase in severity for Black, but not White patients.

Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis (PDKA) among newly diagnosed diabetic patients at Dilla University Hospital, Dilla, Ethiopia: Prevalence and predictors

BACKGROUND

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a morbid complication of Type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM), and its occurrence at diagnosis has rarely been studied in Ethiopia, despite the many cases seen in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to know the prevalence of DKA among patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus and identify avoidable risk factors.

METHOD

This institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1, 2018 to December1, 2022. Newly diagnosed T1DM under 15 years were included in the study. DKA and the new diagnosis of type 1 DM were defined based on the 2022 ISPAD and other international guidelines. A data collection form was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors.

RESULT

Among the 61 newly diagnosed T1DM pediatric patients admitted, DKA was the initial presentation in 37 patients, accounting for 60.7% of the cases. The mean age at diagnosis was 8 (±3.85) years, with females being more affected. Clinical presentation revealed vomiting accompanied by signs of dehydration (32.4%), with polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss (26.2%) being the most common symptoms. The presence of adequate knowledge of signs and symptoms of DM (AOR = 0.07, 95%CI 0.019-0.0897, P value 0.017) and a family history of DM (AOR = 0.129 95%CI 0.019-0.897, P value 0.039) were protective factors against DKA as the initial diagnosis of DM. Moreover, new-onset type 1 DM without DKA was 1.5 times higher in children from families with a high monthly income (AOR = 1.473, 95% CI 0.679-3.195 p value 0.000) compared to those from families with low income. The presence of an infection prior to DKA (AOR = 11.69,95%CI 1.34-10.1,P value 0.026) was associated with the diagnosis of DKA at the initial presentation of DM.

CONCLUSION

A high number of children present with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the initial diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM), which is associated with inadequate knowledge of the signs and symptoms of DM as well as the masking effect of concomitant infections in these children. Healthcare professionals should endeavor to suspect and screen children. Continuous awareness creation of DM is encouraged to diagnose diabetes mellitus earlier and to decrease the prevalence of DKA as an initial presentation.

Impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic on the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children in Yamanashi, Japan

It has been hypothesized that the biopsychosocial stress associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, in combination with the immunological effects of SARS-CoV-2 and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, may contribute to the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children. In this study, we documented the incidences of T1D in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, from 1986 to 2018, and expanded the analysis to include cases from 2019 to 2022 to evaluate the potential influence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on T1D incidence. The COVID-19 pandemic period was defined as 2020 to 2022. Data spanning from 1986 to 2022 were analyzed in annual increments, while data from 1987 to 2022 were analyzed in 3-year interval increments using Joinpoint regression analysis. Across all analyses, no joinpoints were identified, and a consistent linear increase was observed. These findings suggest that there was no statistically significant change in the incidence of T1D attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic in Yamanashi Prefecture. The annual increase in the incidence was calculated to be 3.384% per year, while the increase in the 3-year interval incidence was calculated to be 2.395% per year. Although the incidence of pediatric T1D among children aged 0-14 years in Yamanashi Prefecture increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022), this trend appeared to be a continuation of the pre-2019 increase. The direct or indirect impact of COVID-19 on this trend could not be conclusively determined due to the limited number of cases included in this study.

COVID-19 infection and inactivated vaccination: Impacts on clinical and immunological profiles in Chinese children with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been linked to an increased incidence of diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). However, the relationship between COVID-19 infection and progression to type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children has not been well defined.

AIM

To evaluate the influence of COVID-19 infection and inactivated vaccine administration on the progression of T1D among Chinese children.

METHODS

A total of 197 newly diagnosed patients with T1D were retrospectively enrolled from Children's Hospital of Fudan University between September 2020 and December 2023. The patients were divided into three groups based on their history of COVID-19 infection and vaccination: the infection group, the vaccination-only group, and the non-infection/non-vaccination group. Comprehensive clinical assessments and detailed immunological evaluations were performed to delineate the characteristics and immune responses of these groups.

RESULTS

The incidence of DKA was significantly higher in the COVID-19 infection group (70.2%) compared to the non-infection/non-vaccination group (62.5%) and vacscination-only group (45.6%; P = 0.015). Prior COVID-19 infection was correlated with increased DKA risk (OR: 1.981, 95%CI: 1.026-3.825, P = 0.042), while vaccination was associated with a reduced risk (OR: 0.558, 95%CI: 0.312-0.998, P = 0.049). COVID-19 infection mildly altered immune profiles, with modest differences in autoantibody positivity, lymphocyte distribution, and immunoglobulin levels. Notably, HLA-DR3 positive children with a history of COVID-19 infection had an earlier T1D onset and lower fasting C-peptide levels than the HLA-DR3 negative children with a history of infection (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 infection predisposes children to severe T1D, characterized by enhanced DKA risk. Inactivated vaccination significantly lowers DKA incidence at T1D onset. These findings are valuable for guiding future vaccination and T1D risk surveillance strategies in epidemic scenarios in the general pediatric population.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Diabetic Ketoacidosis Patients Treated in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children. Here, we explored the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the occurrence and severity of DKA in children in southern Croatia. Materials and Methods: The demographics and clinical and laboratory findings of all children and adolescents aged 0-18 years diagnosed with DKA and admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the University Hospital of Split, Croatia from January 2013 to May 2023 were retrospectively collected. The participants were divided into two groups: (1) the pre-pandemic group (presenting before mid-March 2020) and (2) the pandemic group (presenting afterwards). Results: A total of 91 patients were included, 68 in the pre-pandemic and 23 in the pandemic group. The admission rate was similar (<1 patient per month) in both groups. In comparison to pre-pandemic patients, which mostly presented during the summer (52.9%) and winter seasons (23.5%), most pandemic cases occurred in spring (34.8%) and fall (30.4%, p = 0.002). No significant differences between the groups were identified in the severity of DKA, as reflected either by mean pH and median bicarbonate levels or by the proportion of patients with severe DKA. Nevertheless, HbA1c and triglycerides were significantly higher in the pandemic group (12.56% vs. 11.02%, p = 0.002 and 4.95 mmol/L vs. 2.8 mmol/L, p = 0.022, respectively) indicating poorer long-term glycemia. DKA complications were, overall, rare and without significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic did not impact overall frequency or severity of DKA in children in southern Croatia. While the seasonal changes in DKA occurrence and a poorer long-term glycemia in pandemic patients may have been influenced by COVID-19 outbreaks and the imposed anti-pandemic measures, further studies are needed to determine if this was a temporary pandemic-related phenomenon or if this trend would persist in the future.

Ambulance clinician use of capillary blood ketone meters to improve emergency hyperglycaemia care: A stepped-wedged controlled, mixed-methods feasibility study

AIM

To determine whether it was feasible, safe and acceptable for ambulance clinicians to use capillary blood ketone meters for 'high-risk' diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) recognition and fluid initiation, to inform the need for a full-powered, multi-centre trial.

METHODS

Adopting a stepped-wedge controlled design, participants with hyperglycaemia (capillary blood glucose >11.0 mmol/L) or diabetes and unwell were recruited. 'High-risk' DKA intervention participants (capillary blood ketones ≥3.0 mmol/L) received paramedic-led fluid therapy. Participant demographic and clinical data were collated from ambulance and hospital care records. Twenty ambulance and Emergency Department clinicians were interviewed to understand their hyperglycaemia and DKA care experiences.

RESULTS

In this study, 388 participants were recruited (Control: n = 203; Intervention: n = 185). Most presented with hyperglycaemia, and incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes was 18.5% and 74.3%, respectively. Ketone meter use facilitated 'high-risk' DKA identification (control: 2.5%, n = 5; intervention: 6.5%, n = 12) and was associated with improved hospital pre-alerting. Ambulance clinicians appeared to have a high index of suspicion for hospital-diagnosed DKA participants. One third (33.3%; n = 3) of Control and almost half (45.5%; n = 5) of Intervention DKA participants received pre-hospital fluid therapy. Key interview themes included clinical assessment, ambulance DKA fluid therapy, clinical handovers; decision support tool; hospital DKA management; barriers to hospital DKA care.

CONCLUSIONS

Ambulance capillary blood ketone meter use was deemed feasible, safe and acceptable. Opportunities for improved clinical decision making, support and safety-netting, as well as in-hospital DKA care, were recognised. As participant recruitment was below progression threshold, it is recommended that future-related research considers alternative trial designs.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov: NCT04940897.

Beyond Infection: Unmasking the Impact of COVID-19 on Diabetes Emergency Trends

Introduction The relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes has been demonstrated in many studies. However, it is thought that the psycho-socioeconomic effects of the pandemic led to a worsening of glycemic control and an increase in diabetes-associated clinical emergencies in diabetic patients without a diagnosis of COVID-19. Objectives We aimed to reveal the change in the frequency of diabetes-related clinical emergencies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and methods The data of the patients requiring endocrinology consultations in Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine Emergency Service between March 2018 and March 2022 were included. In total, 269 consultations were analyzed. The March 2018 - March 2020 period was considered as pre-COVID, and March 2020 - March 2022 as the COVID-19 period. The frequency of diabetes-related conditions between these two periods was compared. Results Compared to the pre-COVID period, there was a significant increase in the frequency of admissions with diabetic ketosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia in the COVID-19 period (p=0.022, p=0.037, p=0.044, and p=0.004 respectively). Although an increase was observed in the frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) cases, no statistical significance was found. When the mortality data of the patients was evaluated, the total number of deaths was seen to increase significantly in the COVID-19 period (p=0.01). It was observed that the ratio of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM)/type 1 DM among DKA patients increased significantly in the COVID-19 period (p=0.001). Conclusions It can be concluded that the increasing trend in diabetic emergencies that started even before the pandemic is exacerbated by COVID-19, especially in patients with poor glycemic control.

The Relationship Between COVID-19 and the Development of Diabetic Ketoacidosis and New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The COVID-19 pandemic with the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has been one of the largest topics of discussion in the medical world over the last few years. Most of the research has focused on the risks and correlation of chronic diseases and immunosuppression with the severity and mortality of the viral infection. Less research has occurred in the setting of post-infectious sequelae and the long-term effects of COVID-19 with the development of chronic conditions and diseases, such as new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus. The incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the relationship between the two conditions remains to be fully understood. We report the case of a 24-year-old male who presents with malaise, polyuria, polydipsia, headache, and fatigue and was eventually found to be in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). He had a history of COVID-19 infection 12 weeks prior to this presentation. He also had a family history of DKA and type 1 diabetes mellitus. This case highlights the need to perform an in-depth workup for each patient with DKA and new-onset diabetes mellitus in order to find a potential cause of the autoimmune condition.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilization and cost for care of pediatric and young adult ALL

OBJECTIVE

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy and among the most common malignancies in young adults and requires a unique pattern of healthcare utilization including an acute/emergent presentation and an intensive initial 8 months of therapy followed by two years of outpatient treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic caused massive global disruptions in healthcare use and delivery. This report aims to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation, diagnosis and continued management of childhood and young adult ALL in regard to utilization and cost of care among commercially insured individuals in the United States.

RESULTS

Utilizing a commercial insurance claims database, 529 pediatric and young adult patients were identified who were diagnosed with ALL between January 2016 and March 2021. New diagnoses were evaluated by era and demographics. Utilization was measured by COVID-related era as number of inpatient and outpatient encounters, inpatient days, and cumulative cost during the initial 8 months of therapy. None of these cost or utilization factors changed significantly during or shortly after the pandemic. These findings reinforce that the necessary care for pediatric and young adult ALL was unwavering despite the massive shifts in the healthcare system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This provides a valuable benchmark as we further examine the factors that influence the pandemic's impact on health equity and access to care, especially in vulnerable pediatric and young adult populations. This is the first investigation of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilization and cost of care in pediatric and young adult cancer.

Evidence linking COVID-19 and the health/well-being of children and adolescents: an umbrella review

BACKGROUND

Experiences during childhood and adolescence have enduring impacts on physical and mental well-being, overall quality of life, and socioeconomic status throughout one's lifetime. This underscores the importance of prioritizing the health of children and adolescents to establish an impactful healthcare system that benefits both individuals and society. It is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers to examine the relationship between COVID-19 and the health of children and adolescents, as this understanding will guide the creation of interventions and policies for the long-term management of the virus.

METHODS

In this umbrella review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023401106), systematic reviews were identified from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; EMBASE (OvidSP); and MEDLINE (OvidSP) from December 2019 to February 2023. Pairwise and single-arm meta-analyses were extracted from the included systematic reviews. The methodological quality appraisal was completed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Single-arm meta-analyses were re-presented under six domains associated with COVID-19 condition. Pairwise meta-analyses were classified into five domains according to the evidence classification criteria. Rosenberg's FSN was calculated for both binary and continuous measures.

RESULTS

We identified 1551 single-arm and 301 pairwise meta-analyses from 124 systematic reviews that met our predefined criteria for inclusion. The focus of the meta-analytical evidence was predominantly on the physical outcomes of COVID-19, encompassing both single-arm and pairwise study designs. However, the quality of evidence and methodological rigor were suboptimal. Based on the evidence gathered from single-arm meta-analyses, we constructed an illustrative representation of the disease severity, clinical manifestations, laboratory and radiological findings, treatments, and outcomes from 2020 to 2022. Additionally, we discovered 17 instances of strong or highly suggestive pairwise meta-analytical evidence concerning long-COVID, pediatric comorbidity, COVID-19 vaccines, mental health, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of our study advocate for the implementation of surveillance systems to track health consequences associated with COVID-19 and the establishment of multidisciplinary collaborative rehabilitation programs for affected younger populations. In future research endeavors, it is important to prioritize the investigation of non-physical outcomes to bridge the gap between research findings and clinical application in this field.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated disruptions in health-care provision on clinical outcomes in people with diabetes: a systematic review

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered disruptions to health care and lifestyles that could conceivably impact diabetes management. We set out to identify the impact of disruptions caused by COVID-19 on clinical outcomes in people with diabetes. We performed a systematic review of the available literature in the MEDLINE and OVID databases from Jan 1, 2020, to June 7, 2023, and included 138 studies (n>1 000 000 people). All but five studies were judged to be at some risk of bias. All studies compared prepandemic with pandemic periods. All-cause mortality (six studies) and diabetes-related mortality (13 studies) showed consistent increases, and most studies indicated increases in sight loss (six studies). In adult and mixed samples, data generally suggested no difference in diabetic ketoacidosis frequency or severity, whereas in children and adolescents most studies showed increases with some due to new-onset diabetes (69 studies). Data suggested decreases in hospital admissions in adults but increases in diabetes-related admissions to paediatric intensive care units (35 studies). Data were equivocal on diabetic foot ulcer presentations (nine studies), emergency department admissions (nine studies), and overall amputation rates (20 studies). No studies investigated renal failure. Where reported, the impact was most pronounced for females, younger people, and racial and ethnic minority groups. Further studies are needed to investigate the longer-term impact of the pandemic and the on potential differential impacts, which risk further exacerbating existing inequalities within people with diabetes.

Covid 19 and diabetes in children: advances and strategies

BACKGROUND

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a notable increase in the incidence of new-onset diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Simultaneously, children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have encountered difficulties in maintaining optimal blood glucose levels. The mechanisms underpinning these correlations still remain a puzzle. We reviewed the studies that examined changes in incidence during the pandemic. These studies utilized various metrics for comparison, which encompassed the timing of data collection, diagnostic criteria, as well as the numbers and incidence rates of diabetes and DKA. We found the incidence of diabetes and DKA was higher during the pandemic. As to mechanisms, the invivo and invitro study revealed the factors such as direct viral damage, metabolic dysfunction, and immune responses all attribute to the process of T1D after suffering from COVID-19. Furthermore, we provide some useful strategies to prevent and treat children suffering from diabetes and COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong correlations have been observed between new-onset diabetes and COVID-19. Insights gleaned from clinical descriptions and basic research can offer valuable experience and recommendations for the treatment and prevention of diabetes during future pandemics.

Paediatric new onset type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia

AIMS

Despite emerging evidence of increased paediatric diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) worldwide following the COVID-19 pandemic, studies in Asia are lacking. We aimed to determine the frequency, demographics, and clinical characteristics of new onset type 1 DM (T1DM) during the pandemic in Malaysia.

METHODS

This is a retrospective multicenter study involving new onset T1DM paediatric patients in Klang Valley, Malaysia during two time periods ie 18th September 2017-17th March 2020 (pre-pandemic) and 18th March 2020-17th September 2022 (pandemic).

RESULTS

There was a total of 180 patients with new onset T1DM during the 5-year study period (71 pre-pandemic, 109 pandemic). An increase in frequency of T1DM was observed during the pandemic (52 in 2021, 38 in 2020, 27 in 2019 and 30 in 2018). A significantly greater proportion of patients presented with DKA (79.8 % vs 64.8 %), especially severe DKA (46.8 % vs 28.2 %) during the pandemic. Serum glucose was significantly higher (28.2 mmol vs 25.9 mmol/L) with lower venous pH (7.10 vs 7.16), but HbA1c was unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

New onset T1DM increased during the pandemic, with a greater proportion having severe DKA. Further studies are required to evaluate the mechanism leading to this rise to guide intervention measures.

Effects of the COVID-19 booster vaccine on glycemia and insulin resistance in people with type 1 diabetes: A prospective pilot study

AIMS

Inflammation can trigger hyperglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Vaccines purposefully intend to cause an acute immunogenic response, and booster vaccines may cause even more potent immunologic responses. However, the effects of vaccines on glycemic control and insulin requirements in the days immediately post-vaccination remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in glycemic control and insulin usage immediately preceding and following a COVID-19 booster vaccine among adults with T1D.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study of adults with T1D, participants wore blinded Dexcom G6 Pro continuous glucose monitors for 10 days. After a baseline period, participants received a COVID-19 booster vaccine, and subsequent changes in glycemic indices were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the 21 enrolled participants, 38% received a Moderna and 62% Pfizer-BioNTech booster. Compared to baseline (162.9 ± 44.1 mg/dL), mean glucose was significantly increased at Day 2 (172.8 ± 47.0 mg/dL; p = 0.04) and Day 3 (173.1 ± 45.0 mg/dL; p = 0.02) post-vaccination. Insulin resistance was also increased on Day 2 (p = 0.03). There were no differences in outcome metrics between booster vaccine manufacturers.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that adults with type 1 diabetes may experience transient mild glycemic elevations after receiving a COVID-19 booster vaccination. Studies examining the effects of other vaccines are warranted.

Pediatric Diabetes and Diabetic Ketoacidosis After COVID-19: Challenges Faced and Lessons Learnt

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic affected the management and follow-up of several chronic ailments, including pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Restricted access to healthcare and fear of contracting the virus during medical facility visits resulted in poor compliance, irregular follow-up visits, treatment, and delayed diagnosis of complications in pediatric diabetes such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). As such, the incidence of complicated DKA in resource-limited settings is high due to delayed presentation, poor compliance with therapy, and associated comorbidities such as malnutrition and sepsis. The pandemic had only added to the woes. The increased surge in DKA, in the face of limited resources, prompted clinicians to find alternative solutions to manage these children effectively. In this narrative review, we discuss the key challenges faced globally while caring for children with T1DM and DKA during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lessons learned thereof.

Endocrinological Involvement in Children and Adolescents Affected by COVID-19: A Narrative Review

Since the advent of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, an increased incidence of several endocrinological anomalies in acute-phase and/or long-term complications has been described. The aim of this review is to provide a broad overview of the available literature regarding changes in the worldwide epidemiology of endocrinological involvement in children since December 2019 and to report the evidence supporting its association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although little is known regarding the involvement of endocrine organs during COVID-19 in children, the current evidence in adults and epidemiological studies on the pediatric population suggest the presence of a causal association between the virus and endocrinopathies. Untreated transient thyroid dysfunction, sick euthyroid syndrome, nonthyroidal illness syndrome, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and central precocious puberty have been observed in children in acute infection and/or during multisystem inflammatory syndrome development. Furthermore, a higher frequency of ketoacidosis at onset in children with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is reported in the literature. Although the direct association between COVID-19 and endocrinological involvement has not been confirmed yet, data on the development of different endocrinopathies in children, both during acute infection and as a result of its long-term complications, have been reported. This information is of primary importance to guide the management of patients with previous or current COVID-19.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and clinical outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis among male and female children with type 1 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Some studies suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic increased the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). However, the impact of this pandemic on pediatric T1DM is still mostly unknown. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical outcomes in children with T1DM. Methods: We systematically searched for six databases up to 31 August 2022. We included 46 observational studies, 159,505 children of both sexes with T1DM, and 17,547 DKA events. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased, in both sexes, the incidence of 1) DKA (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.44-1.96), 2) severe DKA (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.59-2.12), 3) DKA in newly diagnosed T1DM (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.51-2.03), and 4) ICU admissions (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.60-2.26). However, we did not find a significant association between this pandemic and 1) the incidence of T1DM, 2) the incidence of DKA in established T1DM, 3) the incidence of KDA complications, 4) the length of hospitalization stay, and 5) mortality. Subgroup analysis showed that the study design and the continent of origin accounted for the heterogeneity. Conclusions: The pandemic SARS-CoV-2 raised, in both sexes, the risk of DKA, severe DKA, DKA de novo, and ICU admissions.

Dissecting the Interrelationship between COVID-19 and Diabetes Mellitus

COVID-19 disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to enormous morbidity and mortality worldwide. After gaining entry into the human host, the virus initially infects the upper and lower respiratory tract, subsequently invading multiple organs, including the pancreas. While on one hand, diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection and associated death, recent reports have shown the onset of DM in COVID-19-recovered patients. SARS-CoV-2 infiltrates the pancreatic islets and activates stress response and inflammatory signaling pathways, impairs glucose metabolism, and consequently leads to their death. Indeed, the pancreatic autopsy samples of COVID-19 patients reveal the presence of SARS-CoV-2 particles in β-cells. The current review describes how the virus enters the host cells and activates an immunological response. Further, it takes a closer look into the interrelationship between COVID-19 and DM with the aim to provide mechanistic insights into the process by which SARS-CoV-2 infects the pancreas and mediates dysfunction and death of endocrine islets. The effects of known anti-diabetic interventions for COVID-19 management are also discussed. The application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a future therapy for pancreatic β-cells damage to reverse COVID-19-induced DM is also emphasized.

Comparison of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Characteristics During- and Before the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

Despite evidence about the relationship between diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and infectious diseases, our knowledge of DKA during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the DKA situation among individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic.

Methods

This retrospective-longitudinal study included individuals with T1DM and T2DM hospitalized with newly diagnosed DKA before (March to August 2018 and 2019) and during (March to August 2020 and 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographics, the frequency of new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) and new-onset DKA, days of hospitalization, DKA severity, laboratory tests, and mortality were assessed.

Results

Of 162 patients with DKA, 139 patients were newly diagnosed. The frequency of individuals with new-onset DM had increased during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (P = 0.047). Moreover, new-onset DKA was higher in 2020 and 2021 versus 2019 and 2018 (P = 0.002). Significantly, there were no T2DM patients with DKA in pre-pandemic, but DKA admissions in people with T2DM increased in 2021 (P < 0.001). The severity of new-onset DKA had increased during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (P = 0.000). However, there was no significant difference between pre-and the pandemic regarding mortality (P = 0.981). Additionally, hospitalization length (P = 0.043) and mortality (P = 0.038) were higher in patients with T2DM compared to T1DM.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the frequency of DKA and its severity was higher than in pre-pandemic, and COVID-19 can be more life-threatening in patients with T2DM. Therefore, healthcare providers should be alert to DKA, especially in patients with T2DM.

Incidence of Diabetes in Children and Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Importance

There are reports of increasing incidence of pediatric diabetes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the limitations of individual studies that examine this association, it is important to synthesize estimates of changes in incidence rates.

Objective

To compare the incidence rates of pediatric diabetes during and before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data Sources

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, the Cochrane database, Scopus, and Web of Science, and the gray literature were searched between January 1, 2020, and March 28, 2023, using subject headings and text word terms related to COVID-19, diabetes, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Study Selection

Studies were independently assessed by 2 reviewers and included if they reported differences in incident diabetes cases during vs before the pandemic in youths younger than 19 years, had a minimum observation period of 12 months during and 12 months before the pandemic, and were published in English.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

From records that underwent full-text review, 2 reviewers independently abstracted data and assessed the risk of bias. The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guideline was followed. Eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis and analyzed with a common and random-effects analysis. Studies not included in the meta-analysis were summarized descriptively.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was change in the incidence rate of pediatric diabetes during vs before the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary outcome was change in the incidence rate of DKA among youths with new-onset diabetes during the pandemic.

Results

Forty-two studies including 102 984 incident diabetes cases were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis of type 1 diabetes incidence rates included 17 studies of 38 149 youths and showed a higher incidence rate during the first year of the pandemic compared with the prepandemic period (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.14; 95% CI, 1.08-1.21). There was an increased incidence of diabetes during months 13 to 24 of the pandemic compared with the prepandemic period (IRR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.18-1.37). Ten studies (23.8%) reported incident type 2 diabetes cases in both periods. These studies did not report incidence rates, so results were not pooled. Fifteen studies (35.7%) reported DKA incidence and found a higher rate during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic (IRR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.17-1.36).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that incidence rates of type 1 diabetes and DKA at diabetes onset in children and adolescents were higher after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic. Increased resources and support may be needed for the growing number of children and adolescents with diabetes. Future studies are needed to assess whether this trend persists and may help elucidate possible underlying mechanisms to explain temporal changes.

SARS-CoV-2 Positive Serology and Islet Autoantibodies in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Cases of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Single-Center Cohort Study

Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, although presenting less severe forms of the disease in children, seems to play a role in the development of other conditions, including type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). After the beginning of the pandemic, an increase in the number of T1DM pediatric patients was observed in several countries, thus leading to many questions about the complex relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and T1DM. Our study aimed to highlight possible correlations between SARS-CoV-2 serology and T1DM onset. Therefore, we performed an observational retrospective cohort study that included 158 children diagnosed with T1DM in the period April 2021-April 2022. The presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 and T1DM-specific antibodies and other laboratory findings were assessed. In the group of patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 serology, a higher percentage had detectable IA-2A antibodies, more children were positive for all three islet autoantibodies determined (GADA, ICA, and IA-2A), and a higher mean HbA1c value was found. No difference existed between the two groups regarding DKA presence and severity. A lower C-peptide level was found in the patients presenting diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at T1DM onset. When compared to a group of patients diagnosed before the pandemic, an increased incidence of both DKA and severe DKA, as well as a higher age at diagnosis and higher levels of HbA1c were present in our study group. These findings have important implications for the ongoing monitoring and management of children with T1DM after the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the need for further research to better understand the complex relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and T1DM.

Mild Hyperglycaemia in Hospitalised Children with Moderate COVID-19 Infection

Background and Objectives: COVID-19 infection may influence many physiological processes, including glucose metabolism. Acute hyperglycaemia has been related to a worse prognosis in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. The aim of our study was to find out if moderate COVID-19 infection is associated with hyperglycaemia. Materials and Methods: A total of 235 children were enrolled in the study between October 2021 and October 2022, 112 with confirmed COVID-19 infection and 123 with other RNA viral infection. In all patients, types of symptoms, glycaemia at the time of admission, and basic anthropometric and biochemical parameters were recorded. Results: Average glycaemia was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to other viral infections (5.7 ± 1.12 vs. 5.31 ± 1.4 mmol/L, p = 0.011). This difference was more obvious in subgroups with gastrointestinal manifestations (5.6 ± 1.11 vs. 4.81 ± 1.38 mmol/L, p = 0.0006) and with fever (5.76±1.22 vs. 5.11±1.37 mmol/L, p = 0.002), while no significant difference was found in subgroups with mainly respiratory symptoms. The risk of hyperglycaemia (>5.6 mmol/L) was higher in COVID-19 patients compared to other viral infections (OR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.10-3.14, p = 0.02). The risk of hyperglycaemia was significantly higher in COVID-19 compared to other viral infections in the subgroups of patients with fever (OR = 3.59, 95% CI 1.755-7.345, p = 0.0005) and with gastrointestinal manifestations (OR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.058-5.791, p = 0.036). Conclusion: According to our results, mild hyperglycaemia was significantly more common in children with moderate COVID-19 infection compared to other RNA virus respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, especially when accompanied by fever or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Electrospun Fibrous Nanocomposite Sensing Materials for Monitoring Biomarkers in Exhaled Breath

Human-exhaled breath mainly contains water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and endogenous gases closely related to human metabolism. The linear relationship between breath acetone and blood glucose concentration has been revealed when monitoring diabetes patients. Considerable attention has been directed toward developing a highly sensitive volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensing material that can detect breath acetone. In this study, we propose a tungsten oxide/tin oxide/silver/poly (methyl methacrylate) (WO₃/SnO₂/Ag/PMMA) sensing material fabricated using the electrospinning technique. By monitoring the evolution of sensing materials' extinction spectra, low concentrations of acetone vapor can be detected. Moreover, the interfaces between SnO₂ and WO₃ nanocrystals construct n-n junctions, which generate more electron-hole pairs than those without such structure when the light strikes. This helps to improve the sensitivity of sensing materials when they are subjected to acetone surroundings. The established sensing materials (WO₃/SnO₂/Ag/PMMA) exhibit a sensing limit of 20 ppm for acetone vapor and show specificity for acetone even in ambient humidity.

Diabetes Ketoacidosis and COVID-19: An Insight into the Pathophysiology

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An exploratory analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus patient outcomes: A single-center study

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to substantial shifts in pediatric diabetes care delivery to virtual and hybrid models. It is unclear if these changes in care delivery impacted short-term patient outcomes.

Objectives

We aimed to explore glycemic control and other diabetes-related outcomes in children living with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary pediatric academic center in Canada.

Subjects

Patients <18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of T1DM for at least one year were included.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review. We compared data from two years pre-pandemic (March 15, 2018-March 14, 2020) to the first year of the pandemic (March 15, 2020-March 14, 2021). The data assessed included glycemic control [Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)], diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hospital attendance and hospitalizations, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis was used to model potential factors affecting the HbA1c and diabetes-related morbidities. Multiple imputations were conducted as a sensitivity analysis.

Results

There were 346 eligible patients included in the study. The HbA1c remained stable during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic phase (MD-0.14, 95% CI, -0.28, 0.01; p = 0.058). The pandemic saw an increase in the number of newly diagnosed patients (X2 = 16.52, p < 0.001) and a higher number of newly diagnosed patients presenting in DKA (X2 = 12.94, p < 0.001). In patients with established diabetes, there was an increase in hyperglycemia (OR1.38, 95% CI, 1.12,1.71; p = 0.003) and reduced DKA (OR 0.30, 95% CI, 0.12,0.73; p = 0.009) during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic phase. Stable rates of hospitalization (OR0.57, 95% CI, 0.31,1.04, p = 0.068) and hypoglycemia (OR1.11, 95% CI, 0.83,1.49; p = 0.484) were noted. These results were retained in the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Glycemic control in children with T1DM remained stable during the first year of the pandemic. There were more newly diagnosed patients during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic phase, and more of these new patients presented in DKA. The latter presentation was reduced in those with established diabetes during the same period.Further studies are needed to assess the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on T1DM care pathways and outcomes to allow children, families, and diabetes teams to personalize choices of care models.