Impacts of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake on glycemic control in patients with diabetes

Aims/Introduction On April 14 and 16 2016, the Kumamoto area was severely damaged by several massive magnitude 7 class earthquakes. Materials and Methods To examine the effects of these earthquakes on glycemic control and stress factors, glycated hemoglobin, glycated albumin, other biochemical parameters, a self‐administered lifestyle‐associated questionnaire and disaster‐associated stress scores were analyzed. A total of 557 patients with diabetes were enrolled, and data were collected at 13 months before to 13 months after the earthquakes. Results In patients with type 1 diabetes and specific types of diabetes due to other causes, glycemic control was not altered during the observational period. This glycemic stability in type 1 diabetes might result from self‐management of insulin doses. In patients with type 2 diabetes, glycated hemoglobin decreased by 0.11% (from 7.33 to 7.22%) at 1–2 months after the earthquakes, and increased thereafter. The reduction of glycated hemoglobin after 1–2 months in type 2 diabetes was associated with ‘early restoration of lifelines’ and ‘sufficient sleep.’ The glycemic deterioration at a later stage was related to ‘shortage of antidiabetic agents,’ ‘insufficient amount of food,’ ‘largely destroyed houses’ and ‘changes in working environments.’ Disaster‐associated stress levels were positively correlated with ‘age,’ ‘delayed restoration of lifelines,’ ‘self‐management of antidiabetic agents’ and ‘increased amount of physical activity/exercise,’ and negatively associated with ‘early restoration of lifelines’ and ‘sufficient sleep.’ Conclusions Glycemic control, associated factors and stress levels are altered in chronological order. Post‐disaster diabetic medical care must consider these corresponding points in accordance with the time‐period. 2017 Kumamoto earthquake provided a significant impact on glycemic control in the patients with diabetes. Glycemic control, associated factors and stress levels are altered in chronological order. Post‐disaster diabetic medical care must consider these corresponding points in accordance with the time period.