Previous research has shown a relationship between weight gain around holiday seasons and seasonal variations in lifestyle behaviours and eating patterns. As glycaemic outcome is also to directly affected by the lifestyle behaviours and eating patterns, seasonal variations of glycaemic control should be the same case in this sense without any prior confirmation and was the subject of a recent American study. The study analysed the blood glucose data from 137 diabetics aged 2 to 76 with a duration ranging from 9 months to 4.5 years using continuous glucose monitoring device. Clinically validated metrics of Time in Range (TIR) and mean Blood Glucose (BG) were adopted to assess temporal changes and seasonal variations in glycaemic trends. The results are uncomplicated. Glycaemic control was significantly worse on and around major holidays, especially, New Year, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Simultaneous decrease in TIR and increase mean BG were observed. In terms of seasonal variations in glycaemic trends, patients generally had better glycaemic control from April to September while it was worse from October to March. Notably, older patients were found to have the best glycaemic control throughout the year with the least variability and lowest TIR declines during the holidays. This may reflect that longer disease duration is likely to contribute to better management for accumulated disease experience.  Findings from this study have recommended primary healthcare practitioners to monitor the variation in the glycaemic index among diabetics over the year, particularly during the festive periods in order to allow effective diabetic control. the specific target audience and time of year for effective diabetes intervention delivery.

Reference:
Belsare P, et al. Sci Adv. 2023 Sep 22;9(38):eadg2132.