To examine the real-time impact of COVID-19 on the Type 1 diabetes community in Canada, we surveyed members of our Canada Patient Community last week (n=488). Respondents reported a substantial impact on access to diabetes medications and supplies.
Over a third of respondents are experiencing increased difficulty getting diabetes medications and supplies. While two out of five respondents have refilled their prescriptions earlier than usual, many expressed frustrations with new guidelines that limit all medications to one month’s supply. For those who are accustomed to getting three months’ worth of medications at a time, this change increases co-pays, creates anxiety about access to medications were a shortage to occur, and necessitates more frequent pharmacy visits, which in turn increases the potential risk of exposure to COVID-19.
It comes as no surprise that the pandemic is impacting diet, exercise, and well-being for many. Over a third of respondents say that their diet is now less healthful, and more than half report exercising less. Nearly half are experiencing hyperglycemia more frequently. Two in five respondents are reporting poor well-being at this time.
For a PDF version of the report, please complete the form below and we’ll email you within 48 hours.
A summary of our most recent USA COVID-19 report is available here. We will continue to track the experiences and opinions of people with diabetes throughout the pandemic, and welcome your feedback and comments. If you have suggestions for questions we could be asking or would like to learn more, please let us know.
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