Nurses’ perspectives on COVID-19 impact on diabetes in Southeast regions of the USA

Aim: COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 also known commonly as COVID-19) has globally impacted individuals, particularly those with chronic diseases like diabetes. Understanding how diabetes affects COVID-19 patients will be helpful to nurses and patients in general. Diabetes is a chronic disease that has become common around the world. Design: This research investigates the effects of COVID-19 on diabetic patients from the perspective of nurses in Southeast Georgia. The study involved 72 nurses from various healthcare settings. Methods: The survey covered the impact of COVID-19 on diabetic patients and its influence on nursing care. Areas covered by the survey include diabetes nurses’ characteristics and work context; the impact of COVID-19 on the population of people with diabetes with whom they work and the impact of COVID-19 on diabetes care delivery. Results: Results indicated an increase in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 complications, a slight rise in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), and other diabetes-related health issues such as acute hyperglycemia, neuropathy, cardiac arrest, blood clots, hypoxia, and worsening obesity. The study confirmed that COVID-19 negatively impacts the physical and psychological health of diabetic patients, leading to increased health risks. Conclusion: This research underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between COVID-19 and diabetes to improve patient care.