Near-fatal experience due to delayed diagnosis of type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Abstract The focus of national governments and the medical profession on the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in neglect of care for children with new onset illnesses. Type 1 diabetes (T1D), the most common endocrine disorder in children, is prone to rapid deterioration if not diagnosed in time. We recently encountered a child who presented in a critical condition and was later diagnosed to have diabetic ketoacidosis. We discuss the circumstances arising out of the severe lockdown restrictions for COVID-19, which resulted in difficulties in accessing the healthcare services and caused significant delay in the diagnosis of T1D and a near-death experience. It is essential to keep the non-COVID healthcare services open for children with new onset illnesses and those with chronic conditions for timely access in order to reduce morbidity and mortality due to these conditions.