Work

Persistent glycemic deterioration after the COVID-19 pandemic: A large cohort analysis stratifying by care settings, specialties, and gender disparities in Chengdu, China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to quantify the sustained impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic on glycemic control across distinct healthcare settings, medical specialties, and demographic groups. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 274,909 glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c) records from a tertiary hospital in Chengdu,China between 2013 and 2025. Non-parametric tests were used to compare median HbA1c levels across pre-pandemic, pandemic, peak-infection, and post-pandemic phases, stratified by Healthcare Settings, specialty, age, and gender. Results: < 0.01). Outpatient settings demonstrated the poorest glycemic control (median 6.4 %). The most pronounced deteriorations occurred in critical care unit (ICU: Δ + 3.0 %) and surgical departments (Δ + 0.7 %), while Endocrinology maintained better outcomes (Δ-0.3 %). Older adults (≥76 years, Δ + 0.6 %) and male patients showed greatest vulnerability to glycemic deterioration. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in persistent glycemic deterioration, particularly affecting outpatient management, acute care settings, and vulnerable demographic groups. These findings highlight critical gaps in diabetes care resilience and underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-risk settings and strengthened support systems for susceptible populations.

Source: Preventive Medicine Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103378

Authors: Dongmei Chen, Shiyu Deng

Institutions: Sichuan University, Chengdu Second People's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes Management and Research

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610