Aims: To analyse the effects of confinement among people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their caregivers over the course of the COVID-19 crisis and to evaluate contemporary changes in medical assistance and patient preferences.
Methods: An observational cross-sectional study designed as a self-reported web-based survey was conducted over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results: A total of 769 subjects participated in the survey (603 people with T1D and 166 caregivers). Changes in glycaemic control were reported in 66% of cases, weight gain in 40.4% of cases and decreased exercise levels in 65.4% of cases. Of the cohort, 53% maintained contact with the healthcare team, and 23% received specific information related to COVID-19. Emotional support was requested by 17% of respondents. Regarding telemedicine, 97.9% agreed with its use with the following preferences regarding the future: telephone call (84.5%), video-call (60.6%) and platform devices (39.7%).
Conclusions: Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, at least two-thirds of people with T1D underwent changes in the management of their condition. Almost all participants agreed with the concept of telemedicine, favouring telephone and video calls as their preferred means of communication.
Keywords: COVID-19; Diabetes-related distress; SARS-CoV-2; Telemedicine; Web-based survey.
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