Consistent service use before the COVID-19 pandemic predicted the continuity of face-to-face appointments during the lockdown among type 2 diabetes patients

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic affected diabetes care among type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. However, it is not known whether the observed changes in care concern all T2D patients equally. We examined the changes in health service usage and treatment outcomes among T2D patients according to the pre-pandemic follow-up activity.

Methods

We analysed electronic health records of 11 083 T2D patients in North Karelia, Finland (March 2017–March 2021), categorizing them by pre-pandemic T2D-related in-person contact frequency. We focused on HbA1c and LDL measurement activity and treatment targets as care indicators.

Results

Overall, health service usage and recording rates for HbA1c and LDL decreased during the pandemic. They decreased most but stayed at the highest level among patients with the most consistent pre-pandemic face-to-face service use, characterised by the highest proportion of comorbidities and elevated HbA1c. Their treatment outcomes were not negatively affected. In contrast, service usage and measurement activities increased among those with no pre-pandemic contact.

Conclusion

Those with consistent pre-pandemic service use and greater service needs were more likely to seek face-to-face care despite the lockdown, and no negative effect on treatment outcomes was seen.