Glycemic Control in People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Seen in Primary Care During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: In Brazil, diabetes mellitus represents 8.8% of the population between 20 and 79 years of age. Disease control is associated with adherence to healthy lifestyle habits, promoting adequate glycemic control monitored by glycated hemoglobin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the glycemic control of people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: The present research was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Through glycated hemoglobin, it evaluated the glycemic control of people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus during two periods of the pandemic. The first period was from March 2020 to June 2021, and the second was from July 2021 to February 2022. Results: There was a significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin from 8.4% in the pandemic period to 8% (p=0.035) in the stabilization period. This reduction was most evident in the group with glycated hemoglobin ≥7 in the pandemic period (p=0.007) and among women (p=0.008). The group who reduced their consumption of ultra-processed foods lowered a glycated hemoglobin from 8.3% to 7.6% (p=0.010), and those who used antidepressants decreased it from 7.6% to 7% (p=0.032). Conclusion: A reduction in the glycated hemoglobin of people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.