Prevalence of Long COVID, and the Impact on Diabetes Management and Physical Activity Participation, in People with Type 2 Diabetes: An Australia-wide Cross-Sectional Online Survey.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research was to understand the prevalence and impact of long COVID on people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Specifically, to identify the proportion of people with T2D who have had COVID-19 and experience long COVID symptoms, and explore how these ongoing symptoms impact diabetes management and physical activity participation.

METHODS: This study was an online survey of adults with T2D who had confirmed COVID-19 ≥12 weeks prior to participation, in Australia. Respondents were asked to report the presence (and severity) of long COVID symptoms, and for those with long COVID, the impact of their symptoms on diabetes management (blood glucose, body weight) and physical activity participation (activities of daily living, work/study, exercise).

RESULTS: 1,046 people with T2D responded (median age 61.0[49.8-70.0]years; 56.0% male, 42.1% female, 1% non-binary/transgender; median T2D duration 10.0[5.0-18.0]years, median time since COVID-19 infection 33.0[20.3-36.1]weeks). Almost one third (30%) of respondents reported long COVID symptoms (present 12 weeks or more following most recent infection); 40% of respondents with long COVID symptoms reported a worsening of their diabetes management since their COVID-19 infection, with 29% reported trouble controlling their blood glucose and 43% reporting a higher body weight. Two thirds of respondents with ongoing symptoms reported that these symptoms moderately to severely impact their ability to perform activities of daily living, work, and/or exercise. The majority of those with long COVID reported reducing the frequency, duration, and/or intensity of exercise since their COVID-19 infection, with 36.1% not yet returning to their pre-infection exercise levels; 66% cite ongoing symptoms as the primary reason for this.

CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity is a crucial component of diabetes management. However, the high prevalence of long COVID is hindering participation in this population, as well as deleteriously impacting diabetes management. Developing strategies to support people with T2D and long COVID to recommence safe levels of physical activity is of critical importance.