COVID-19 Pandemic Linked to More Type 1 Diabetes Diagnoses with Ketoacidosis

A Brazilian study found that more children were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during the pandemic—and more of them had developed diabetic ketoacidosis by the time they were diagnosed.

PubMed indexed literature

Evidence label explains the kind of source behind this article (for example peer-reviewed literature vs community video). It is not medical advice.

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Key takeaways

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurred more frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic period compared to before and after
The severity of DKA cases did not significantly change during the pandemic—serious cases stayed serious at similar rates
The study cannot prove the pandemic directly caused more DKA; it only shows an association between the two
More diagnoses during pandemic may reflect delayed care-seeking, missed appointments, or delayed symptom recognition

What This Study Looked At

Researchers in Brazil examined medical records of children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes between 2018 and 2024. They divided the time period into three phases: before COVID-19, during the pandemic, and after. They wanted to understand whether diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—a serious condition where the body becomes too acidic—appeared more often at diagnosis during these different periods.

What They Found

Children diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to have developed DKA by the time of their diagnosis compared to those diagnosed before or after the pandemic. However, when DKA did occur, the severity levels were similar across all three time periods. This means the pandemic period saw more cases of DKA overall, but the cases themselves were not necessarily worse.

What This Might Mean

The study shows an association—a connection—between the pandemic period and more frequent DKA at diagnosis. However, the researchers are careful to note they cannot prove the pandemic directly caused this increase. Several factors could explain the pattern: families may have delayed seeking medical care during lockdowns or due to fear of hospitals, regular doctor visits may have been missed, or symptoms may have been overlooked during a time of widespread illness.

Why It Matters

DKA at diagnosis is a serious complication that can require intensive care. If children are arriving at diagnosis with DKA more often, it suggests their Type 1 diabetes went undiagnosed for longer than usual. Understanding when and why this happens helps doctors and families recognize warning signs earlier. The pandemic's impact on healthcare access and awareness is an important piece of the Type 1 diabetes story.

Evidence label

Source: Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992). Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.

Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.

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