Spotlight on Research

COVID-19 is a novel pathogen that can cause severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome which can lead to multi-organ failure/death. This retrospective Chinese study looked at the relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes. Patients with diabetes are often more susceptible than the average population to contracting infections, probably from disruption in immune system regulation.

There were 174 patients confirmed to have COVID-19 enrolled into the study at one Wuhan hospital in February 2020. Data collected included patient history, test results and treatment plans. Patients were separated into two groups: those with diabetes and those without. Anyone with comorbidities other than diabetes was excluded. Computed tomography (CT) imaging scores were decided by two physicians who were blinded to the participants.

Results showed that patients with diabetes were at higher risk of severe pneumonia, release of tissue injury-related enzymes, excessive uncontrolled inflammation responses and hypercoagulable state associated with dysregulation of glucose metabolism. CT scanning demonstrated worse pathological changes on imaging, and laboratory tests indicated more damage to the myocardium, liver and kidneys than in patients without diabetes. Diabetes was not as effectively controlled during COVID-19 and diabetic complications increased mortality. Diabetes should be considered as a risk factor for a rapid progression and bad prognosis of COVID~19; prognosis from COVID-19 worsens as diabetes severity increases.