Covid pandemic linked to surge in child and teen diabetes



 Researchers have noticed a surprising increase in the number of children and teenagers worldwide being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes since the start of the Covid pandemic.

A recent study, published in the JAMA Network Open journal, gathered data from different countries, including the UK, about over 38,000 young individuals who were diagnosed with the condition during the pandemic.

The researchers describe the rise in diabetes cases as significant and highlight the need for further investigation to understand the reasons behind it.

While some of the increase can be attributed to catch-up from healthcare backlogs and delays during the shutdowns, scientists argue that it doesn't explain all the newly diagnosed cases.

Even before the pandemic, the rate of type 1 diabetes in children was already rising by about 3% per year.


The study revealed the following findings:

  • There was a 14% increase in the diagnosis rate during the first year of the pandemic compared to the pre-Covid period.
  • In the second year of the pandemic, the rate rose by approximately 27% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Researchers from the University of Toronto suggest that regardless of the cause, additional resources and support may be necessary to help the growing number of children and adolescents affected by type 1 diabetes.


So, what exactly is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes requires individuals to closely monitor their blood sugar levels and administer insulin because their bodies cannot naturally regulate it. This happens because the body's immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Type 1 diabetes can affect both children and adults, but the exact causes are still unknown, and there is currently no cure for the condition.

As for the recent increase in cases, the reasons behind it are uncertain, although experts have proposed several theories.

One theory suggests that Covid may trigger a reaction in some children, increasing their risk of developing diabetes. However, not all studies investigating this autoimmune reaction, where the body attacks its own healthy cells, have found evidence supporting this theory.

Another hypothesis suggests that exposure to certain germs during childhood can protect against various conditions, including diabetes. Some scientists believe that the lockdowns and physical distancing measures during the Covid pandemic may have reduced children's exposure to germs, leading to a lack of this additional safeguard.




Hilary Nathan, the Policy Director at JDRFUK, a type 1 diabetes charity, emphasizes the importance of this research, as it reflects the challenges faced by many families in the UK.

She urges individuals to be aware of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, such as tiredness, thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, or increasing thinness, collectively known as the four Ts.

"Recognizing these signs, getting an early diagnosis, and receiving prompt treatment can save lives," she highlights.

Nine-year-old Theo received his type 1 diabetes diagnosis about a year ago, just a few months after contracting Covid. His mother, Jo, remembers being shocked by the diagnosis since Theo didn't exhibit severe symptoms. Fortunately, they detected it early, considering themselves lucky.

Jo describes the experience as overwhelming, trying to grasp the fact that her child is dealing with this condition. Learning about the scientific aspects of diabetes and the necessary measures to keep Theo healthy became a top priority. Jo acknowledges the critical importance of diligently managing Theo's diabetes to prevent severe consequences.

Currently residing in Sheffield, Theo successfully manages his diabetes with the help of an insulin pump.


The NHS now recommends the use of artificial pancreas devices, and there have been advancements in using sniffer dogs to detect blood sugar levels.

Dr. Faye Riley, representing Diabetes UK, explains that research worldwide has identified a higher-than-expected number of diabetes diagnoses following the Covid-19 pandemic. This study adds to the growing body of evidence on the subject.

Dr. Riley emphasizes the need for future studies to examine long-term trends, differentiating the pandemic's impact from natural fluctuations in the incidence of type 1 diabetes over time. Such studies will help uncover the various factors contributing to any apparent increase in cases.