Research

Adherence

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated mitigation strategies (e.g., stay-at-home orders, physical distancing) caused a significant increase in the prevalence of depressive symptoms and loneliness among older adults with type 2 diabetes, while insomnia prevalence remained stable.

If you are an older adult with diabetes, be aware that pandemic-related isolation can significantly worsen mood and loneliness. Monitor your mental health closely, as the risk is higher if you had prior symptoms. Prioritize safe social engagement strategies to mitigate these effects.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
The prevalence of mild or greater depressive symptoms in older adults with diabetes was more than 1.6 times higher during COVID-19 than before the pandemic... The prevalence of loneliness increased from 12.3% at V1 to 22.1% at V3 (P < 0.001), while the prevalence of insomnia remained stable across visits at 31.5–33.3%.
Ariana M. Chao et al. · Diabetes Care · 2021

Why this rating

Prospective observational cohort study with large sample size (n=2,829) and longitudinal data collection before and during the pandemic.

Source

Changes in the Prevalence of Symptoms of Depression, Loneliness, and Insomnia in U.S. Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Look AHEAD Study

Ariana M. Chao et al. · Diabetes Care · 2021

cohort · n=2829Cited 51×
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