The Effects of Stress on Glycemic Control Brought on by Changes in Social Conditions Due to COVID-19

Abstract

Objective The stress brought on by changes in social conditions due to COVID-19 is diverse. However, there have been no studies examining the relationship between the type of stress felt by an individual due to such changes in social conditions and the degree of change in HbA1c, prompting us to conduct this study. Methods We conducted a collaborative study at two diabetes clinics. A total of 1,000 subjects responded to the questionnaire. Data on HbA1c and body weight before and after the declaration of the state of emergency were collected. Results We conducted a questionnaire on some stressors, but when comparing the two groups with respect to whether or not they felt stress from each item, only “school closures for children,” seemed to be associated with a significant difference in the amount of change in HbA1c. In the stressed group, i.e. the group of parents who experienced stress due to their children's schools being closed, the HbA1c value changed from 7.30 ±0.78 to 7.30±1.13 (p=0.985). By contrast, in the unstressed group, the HbA1c value significantly decreased from 7.28±0.98 to 7.06±0.85 (p<0.001). In addition, as a result of comparing the amount of change between the 2 groups, a significant decrease was observed in the unstressed group compared with the stressed group (p=0.032). There was no significant difference in body weight change between the two groups. Conclusion Stress that cannot be avoided by one's own will, such as school closures for children, may affect glycemic control.