Differential impact of COVID-19 on change in body composition in young and older individuals with diabetes in the post-COVID-19 Era.

AIMS/

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 containment measures in Japan, characterized by intermittent states of emergency (SE) without strict lockdowns from April 2020 to September 2021, may have significantly impacted lifestyle, weight, and body composition in individuals with diabetes. This study examines changes in glycemic management, body weight, and body composition before, during, and after SE in adults with diabetes.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This retrospective study included individuals with diabetes aged 20 years or older whose HbA1c and body composition were measured in three periods of pre-SE (April 2019-March 2020), SE (April 2020-September 2021), and post-SE (October 2021-September 2022). Hospitalized individuals were excluded. Participants were divided into subgroups by age (young: <65 years, older: ≥65 years) and gender for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 673 subjects were analyzed. No significant changes in HbA1c were observed in any period. Body weight remained constant during SE but decreased post-SE. Continuous decreases in skeletal muscle mass were noted in all groups. In the total analysis, body fat mass initially increased during SE but decreased post-SE. However, due to weight loss in the post-SE, the overall body fat percentage rose. Notably, in older males, body fat mass increased during SE and remained unchanged post-SE, resulting in a continuous increase in body fat percentage throughout observational periods.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights a continuous decline in muscle mass and body weight changes, with body fat percentage fluctuations differing by age and gender. The impact was most significant in older males, underscoring the need for targeted health interventions.