The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on HbA1c Testing: Prioritization of High-Risk Cases and Impact of Social Deprivation.
David HollandAdrian H HealdFahmy W F HannaStedman MPensee WuJulius SimChristopher J DuffHelen DuceLewis GreenJonathan ScargillJonathon D HoweSarah RobinsonIan HalsallNeil GaskellAndrew DavisonMark SimmsAngela DennyMartin LanganAnthony A FryerPublished in: Diabetes therapy : research, treatment and education of diabetes and related disorders (2023)
Our findings highlight that the pandemic response had a major impact on diabetes monitoring and screening. Despite limited test prioritization in the > 86 mmol/mol group, this failed to acknowledge that those in the 59-86 mmol/mol group require consistent monitoring to achieve the best outcomes. Our findings provide additional evidence that those from poorer backgrounds were disproportionately disadvantaged. Healthcare services should redress this health inequality.