Blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol testing among adults with diabetes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, USA, 2019 vs 2021
Authors' conclusion
Disruptions in medical care during the pandemic were associated with a decrease in ABC testing. Future research is needed to assess whether blood glucose/A1c and BP testing returns to prepandemic levels and if reductions in these tests result in excess diabetes-related complications.
Study context
- Population
- US adults ≥18 years with diagnosed diabetes, National Health Interview Survey
- Participants
- 3,127 vs 3,355
- Exposure
- ABC testing in 2021 vs 2019; delayed or no medical care due to pandemic vs prompt care
- 2021n = 3,127
- 2019n = 3,355reference
- Outcome
- Self-reported blood glucose/A1c, blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol (ABC) testing
- Follow-up
- Past year
Methodological detailsrepeated national survey (NHIS 2019 and 2021)
- Repeated national survey (NHIS 2019 and 2021)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
ABC testing in past year, 2021 vs 2019
ABC testing in past year, 2021 vs 2019
BP test
P = 0.002
Cholesterol test
P = 0.053
- 2021 vs 2019: P < 0.001 — blood glucose/A1c test; lower in 2021
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | aOR (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| ABC testing in the past year by pandemic-related care delay (2021), fully adjustedDelaying or not getting medical carevs Promptly received medical careA1c test | 0.44 (0.29–0.68) | |
| ABC testing in the past year by pandemic-related care delay (2021), fully adjustedDelaying or not getting medical carevs Promptly received medical careBP test | 0.48 (0.27–0.85) | |
| ABC testing in the past year by pandemic-related care delay (2021), fully adjustedDelaying or not getting medical carevs Promptly received medical careCholesterol test | 0.48 (0.31–0.75) | |
| 0.20.5125Adjusted odds ratio (log scale) |
- ABC testing in the past year by pandemic-related care delay (2021), fully adjusted: adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes duration and diabetes medication use
ABC testing in the past year by pandemic-related care delay (2021), fully adjusted
- Adults delaying or not getting care due to the pandemic were 50% less likely to get an ABC test vs those promptly receiving care
Original publication
Blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol testing among adults with diabetes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, USA, 2019 vs 2021. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. Published 28 June 2023. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →