Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Impact of COVID -19 lockdown on care of patients with chronic disorders such as dyslipidaemia and diabetes still being realized. We examined if care was impacted by assessing biomarkers for diabetes and dyslipidaemia management as well as for vitamin D status, often monitored in general practice.

Methods: Retrospective laboratory data for total cholesterol, glycated haemoglobin (A1c) and for vitamin D levels were obtained for late (October to December) for 2019 (prior to COVID-19 lockdown), and for early (January to April) 2020, early 2021, late 2021, and early 2022. Laboratory results were analysed for abnormality and significance using NCSS statistical software.

Results: Results from 59,782 patients, aged 4 to 97 yrs (median 53) including 36,260 females were analysed. Median cholesterol levels were 4.7, 4.87, 4.67, 4.94, 4.89 mmol/l, mean A1c were 6.8, 6.9, 6.9, 6.8, and 6.9 %, and Vitamin D levels; 23.4, 21.6, 23.1, 26.45, and 22.3 ng/mL for late 2019, early 2020, early 2021, late 2021, and early 2022 respectively. There was no significant difference (P>0.54) in cholesterol levels between late 2019, early 2020, and early 2021, however, levels were higher in late 2021 (P=0.05). Similarly, for A1c, no significant changes (P>0.35) were observed except for higher levels in late 2021 (P<0.005). As for vitamin D status a significant (P<0.005%) decline in early 2020 from late 2019 reflects seasonal variation, however, in contrast to the other biomarkers, levels in late 2021 were significantly higher (P<0.005%).

Conclusion: The increase in total cholesterol and A1c levels suggests a decline in care by late 2021 consistent with prolonged COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 and 2021. Vitamin D status suggests either active intake possibly influenced by media or by exposure to outdoor activities. Limited access to routine healthcare may have had unfavourable outcomes on diabetes and dyslipidaemia.