Core Concepts
Preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the rise in type 1 diabetes among children, rather than a direct effect of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Abstract
The incidence of type 1 diabetes and its severity increased in children during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland. The rise was potentially linked to preventive measures like lockdowns and physical distancing rather than a direct impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, some experts suggest that the virus itself could play a role in the development of diabetes. The study compared data from the pandemic period with previous years, showing a higher incidence rate and more severe cases during the pandemic. While some children tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, few had confirmed infections before diabetes diagnosis. The discussion also includes the impact of social isolation measures on biodiversity and the potential mechanisms behind the observed association.
Key Highlights:
- Increase in type 1 diabetes incidence and severity during the COVID-19 pandemic in children.
- Potential link between preventive measures and the rise in diabetes cases.
- Debate on the role of SARS-CoV-2 virus in diabetes development.
- Comparison of data from pandemic and pre-pandemic periods.
- Impact of social isolation measures on biodiversity and diabetes risk.
Stats
The incidence of type 1 diabetes was 61.0 per 100,000 population younger than 15 years during the pandemic.
Age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate ratio was 1.16 during the pandemic compared to the reference period.
30.8% of children had diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis during the pandemic.
25.7% of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies analyzed.
Quotes
"Our results suggest that the increase in the disease rate and in the frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis are related to the preventive measures introduced at the start of the pandemic." - Mikael Knip, MD
"It's a very interesting study in the light of Finland having the highest incidence of type 1 diabetes globally, so it is a great place to address the relationship of SARS-CoV-2 with new diabetes." - Paul Zimmet, MBBS, MD, PhD