Covid-19 pandemic has been linked to surge in type 1 diabetes

The incidence rates of of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents according to the study were higher after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unusual rise in the number of children and teenagers with type 1 diabetes have been recorded globally since Covid-19 advent, according to researchers.

Data obtained from several global sources between January 1, 2020 and March 28, 2023 which were analyzed by JAMA Network Open revealed that 38149 children and adolescents were newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The incidence rates of of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents according to the study were higher after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is not known what could trigger the rise which researchers consider to be quit substantial. The rise has been linked on one hand to hospital restrictions which limited hospital visits of vulnerable populations to hospitals, resulting in backlogs. The direct cytopathic effects of SARS-CoV-2 replication, systemic and local inflammatory responses reported by Wang et al in 2023 could also result in damages within the pancreas.

Although the causes are not known, the current report have provided useful information that requires the devotion of more resources and support for children with diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes is a chronic condition that results from the destruction of the insulin-producing cells (beta cells) in the pancreas by the adaptive immune system. Interaction between the genes of affected children and their environment has also been alleged to exacerbate the condition. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes, except that the condition is managed by regulating the amount of sugar in the blood by using insulin, diet and proper lifestyle.

Early diagnosis and treatment can be life saving. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes may include weight loss, tiredness, increased thirst, and frequent urination.

According to the study increased care should be provided for children with diabetes while “future studies are needed to assess whether this trend persists and may help elucidate possible underlying mechanisms to explain temporal changes”