The effects of COVID‐19 on self‐management behaviours and service experiences in type 2 diabetes mellitus

This study explored the impact of COVID‐19 on adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self‐management behaviours and service experiences within an ethnically diverse UK sample.A cross‐sectional survey design was employed. An 18‐item survey was administered to suitable patients attending the Lambeth Diabetes Intermediate Care Team (South East London, UK) via text message (n=993) or post (n=62).A total of 150 participants completed the survey, which revealed that 30% had changed their diabetes medication taking behaviour since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic for a number of reasons. Negative changes in physical activity levels and dietary behaviours were also reported. Of those who received a telephone consultation, high satisfaction levels were reported but a clear preference for face‐to‐face consultations was still present.Our findings suggest that the COVID‐19 pandemic is having a negative impact on individuals with T2DM physical activity levels and dietary behaviours. Additionally, the findings indicate that although telephone consultations were highly accepted, many would prefer to receive a face‐to‐face consultation in future. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.