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.
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%.
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
DOI 10.2337/dc21-1179
More from this paper
- Pre-existing mental health status (depressive symptoms, loneliness, insomnia) is the strongest predictor of developing or maintaining these conditions during the pandemic, with odds ratios increasing significantly for those with prior symptoms.Good
- Women and non-Hispanic White individuals with type 2 diabetes had higher odds of experiencing depressive symptoms and loneliness during the pandemic compared to men and underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, respectively.Good
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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