IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON HBA1C LEVELS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PATIENTS

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Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of the pandemic on the behavior of HbA1c levels in patients attending the Primary Health Care network in the municipality of Talca (Chile). Material and Method: An observational descriptive analysis of the population controlled with HbA1c was performed in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Laboratory data were obtained from a community database in an Excel file and statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program. Results: 42% decrease in control visits was observed in 2020; significant increase in HbA1c in 2020 compared to the other years; HbA1c levels were higher in primary care centers with smaller populations. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on increasing HbA1c levels in diabetic patients.