Approximately 1 in 5 people living with diabetes put off needed medical care during the last year, because of the pandemic, a new study by the American Diabetes Association concludes. 

According to Michigan State Medical Society, as a result of the pandemic, an alarming number of people are struggling to manage their blood glucose levels. 

In a poll conducted March 4-16 of this year, among 5,645 people with diabetes, 19% reported having missed at least one medical appointment during the pandemic; 23% reported challenges managing their blood glucose; and 17% reported having at least one new health complication, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, peripheral artery disease and vision/eye disorders. 

Although the rate for getting vaccinated for COVID-19 stands at roughly 50% of the adult population, those with diabetes who have not yet been vaccinated are more vulnerable to experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms, should they become infected with the highly-contagious disease. 

ADA Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, Dr. Robert Gabbay, said in a press release, “Over the past year, we’ve witnessed a grossly disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the health and safety of Americans living with diabetes. 

“As a community, and as a nation, we must work to bring more resources–from expanded access to diabetes technology and telemedicine to expanded programs for healthy food and beverages–to the 34 million Americans who have diabetes. 

“We must also acknowledge and address the systemic barriers that prevent many people with diabetes from staying safe and healthy, through the end of this pandemic and beyond.”

According to the ADA, each day in the US, more than 4,000 people are newly diagnosed with diabetes. More than 122 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes.

The survey had a +/- error of 2%.