Linking COVID-19 with Diabetes: An Examination of their Interplay
Diabetes and COVID-19 have been found to have a significant and potentially harmful relationship. People with diabetes, particularly type 1 and type 2, are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19.
According to current scientific evidence, COVID-19 can increase the risk of developing new-onset diabetes. A study from 2020 estimated that the risk of hospitalization was 6 times higher and the risk of death was 12 times higher in people with COVID-19 who had an underlying medical condition such as type 1 diabetes.
The increased risk of developing diabetes after COVID-19 is thought to be due to viral effects on pancreatic function and the widespread use of corticosteroids like dexamethasone during treatment, which can induce hyperglycemia and diabetes.
On the other hand, pre-existing diabetes or undiagnosed diabetes/prediabetes substantially increases the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, including mortality. Managing blood glucose levels tightly during COVID-19 infection is crucial to reduce severity and mortality risk in diabetic patients.
Regarding prevention and management, awareness and screening for diabetes after COVID-19 recovery are recommended due to the risk of new-onset diabetes. Treatment guidelines often involve balancing corticosteroid therapy benefits with hyperglycemia risk, necessitating glucose monitoring and potential insulin therapy during hospitalization.
Studies also point towards the importance of understanding metabolic changes, such as cholesterol dysregulation, in patients with diabetes and COVID-19 to tailor management strategies.
In summary, diabetes predisposes patients to worse COVID-19 severity and outcomes. COVID-19 infection can trigger new-onset diabetes, necessitating follow-up. Management requires careful glycemic control, particularly during the acute phase of COVID-19. Preventive strategies involve vigilant screening, metabolic monitoring, and individualized treatment protocols to mitigate bidirectional risks.
People with diabetes should discuss the risks and benefits of corticosteroids with a doctor. Early interventions such as antiviral treatments, monoclonal antibody therapies, and interventions to manage diabetes symptoms can reduce the risk of serious COVID-19 complications. It is important that people who have diabetes or other comorbidities seek early treatment for COVID-19.
Strategies to prevent contracting SARS-CoV-2 or spreading it to others include staying home when sick, avoiding large crowds and unventilated spaces, getting the COVID-19 vaccine, wearing masks, washing hands frequently, avoiding direct contact with sick people, and moving activities outdoors when possible.
Pregnant people with gestational diabetes and COVID-19 are 3.3 times more likely to need admission to an intensive care unit than those without gestational diabetes. People with diabetes should continue to take their diabetes medication and manage their diabetes by exercising and eating a low glycemic index diet.
In a study from 2022, people with diabetes may be up to four times more likely to develop long COVID. People with all forms of diabetes are more likely to have negative COVID-19 outcomes. Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, may also be a symptom of long COVID or an effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
In conclusion, understanding the bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes is crucial for managing and preventing complications. People with diabetes should remain up to date on all COVID-19 vaccines and boosters to reduce their risk of severe complications.
- Diabetes Mellitus, particularly type 1 and type 2, elevates the risk of severe COVID-19 complications.
- Science continues to reveal a significant and potentially harmful relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes.
- Current evidence shows that COVID-19 can increase the risk of new-onset diabetes.
- The flu-like symptoms of COVID-19 can be overlooked in those with diabetes, potentially leading to delayed treatment.
- COVID-19 can impact pancreatic function, contributing to the development of diabetes.
- Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used in treating COVID-19, can induce hyperglycemia and diabetes.
- Managing blood glucose levels closely during COVID-19 infection is crucial for reducing the risk of severe complications and mortality in diabetic patients.
- Pregnant people with gestational diabetes and COVID-19 are at a higher risk of needing intensive care unit admission.
- People with diabetes and COVID-19 may be up to four times more likely to develop long COVID.
- Mental health and skin conditions are among the chronic diseases and conditions that can be worsened by COVID-19.
- A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and skin-care routines are essential components of overall health-and-wellness and could help manage diabetes and protect against long COVID.
- Regular check-ups and therapies-and-treatments, including nutrition counseling and weight-management programs, can help manage diabetes and mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19 and its long-term effects.
