IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON GLYCAEMIC CONTROL, BODY MASS INDEX AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS IN THE STATE OF NEGERI SEMBILAN

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
This study aimed to look for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on glycaemic control, body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle changes in children and adolescent Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in the State of Negeri Sembilan

METHODOLOGY
This cross-sectional study involved 3 main specialist hospitals in Negeri Sembilan including HTJS (Hospital Tuanku Jaafar Seremban), HTAN (Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Kuala Pilah) and HPD (Hospital Port Dickson). The included patients had follow-ups more than 3 months prior to the lockdown and had at least one physical clinic follow-up after the lockdown. All the records were retrieved and the patients’ glycaemic control parameters such as HbA1c and their BMI before and during the COVID-19 pandemic MCO. Guided interviews were conducted regarding their changes in lifestyle before and during COVID-19 MCO.

RESULTS
A total of 52 patients were enrolled in this study, 41 patients (78.8%) had Type 1 DM and 11 patients (21.2%) had Type 2 DM. The age of participants was 4 to 18 years old (mean SD 14.10 ± 2.6). The mean difference in HbA1c, before and during MCO, was 0.117 (95% CI:-0.519, 0.744; p=0.79). BMI change before and during COVID-19 MCO was statistically significant at 0.383 (95% CI:0.204,0.561); p<0.001. Lifestyle changes had no significant inter-category difference in the association with the HbA1c and BMI.

CONCLUSION
Lifestyle changes, had no significant inter-category difference in the association with the HbA1c and BMI changes using
linear regression in Children and Adolescent Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in the State of Negeri Sembilan.