The COVID-19 pandemic has massively disrupted healthcare services around the world. The World Health Organization and health agencies have called for urgent action to clear the backlog and prevent excess mortality. During the early lockdowns of the pandemic, there was a sharp decline in referrals and tests for long-term conditions. Figures from the UK showed that new diagnoses of type 2 diabetes fell by 70% in April 2020 compared to expectations. Many patients have delayed seeking help due to concerns about straining health services or fear of contracting COVID-19. The British Medical Association confirmed this. A cohort study by Russell and colleagues analyzed time trends in a long-term setting. Understanding these trends is essential for equity in population care.