A Lesson From 2020: Public Health Matters for Both COVID-19 and Diabetes

Each January, the editors of Diabetes Care look back at the last year and forward to the next. In January 2021 we have much to be thankful and happy about. The journal continues to publish outstanding scientific reports together with illuminating and provocative Commentary, Perspective, and Review articles. We are indebted to the authors who submit their manuscripts, the reviewers who evaluate them, and the editorial and production group that manages the process. They make it all possible. In 2020, Diabetes Care ’s impact factor increased once again, from 15.27 to 16.02. Accumulating scientific evidence presented by our journal and others continues to improve understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetes and add to the array of treatments. And yet . . . it’s been a hell of a year in other ways. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic started a year ago and still has the world in its grip. It has tested all of us and brought many activities nearly to a halt. Countless people have fallen ill, sadly many have died, and the daily routines of most families are disturbed. The lockdown to prevent spread of the virus keeps people at home, limits travel, harms businesses, closes schools, and interferes with diagnosis and treatment of other ailments. Acute medical facilities have been overwhelmed in some regions. Fierce debates about controlling the spread of COVID-19 and mitigating its human and economic costs have ensued. Yet, in this crisis we see much heroism. Medical personnel and those who support …