Pandemics Collide: COVID-19 and Diabetes
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COVID-19 Risk in People with Diabetes
Those with preexisting diabetes are at higher risk for severe complications from COVID-19 than the general population. This is to be expected, as infectious diseases are associated with worse outcomes in patients with diabetes.4 Research on 7,162 people in the United States with COVID-19 showed individuals with diabetes made up 6% of those not hospitalized, 24% of those hospitalized but not requiring ICU admission, and 32% of those admitted to the ICU.5 Another study showed diabetic patients were 65% more likely to die from COVID-19 than non-diabetic patients.6 In addition, getting COVID-19 increases the risk for diabetic complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Why are patients with diabetes more at risk for severe COVID-19 complications? Many believe it has to do with how diabetes affects the immune system.7 High blood sugar weakens the immune system, and over time, uncontrolled diabetes causes inflammation, which also affects the immune system.7 In fact, research shows that those with well-controlled blood sugar levels have higher rates of COVID-19 survival.8
COVID-19 Triggering Diabetes
New research on COVID-19 survivors is discovering they have an increased risk for developing diabetes. A study on the Department of Veterans Affairs national healthcare database found a 39% increased risk of being newly diagnosed with diabetes in the six months after having COVID-19.9 A systematic review on 3711 COVID-19 patients found 14.4% had newly diagnosed diabetes.10 With this being a new phenomenon, researchers and physicians are still speculating on why COVID-19 is triggering diabetes. A leading theory is that the virus or the body’s response to the virus may damage the pancreas, which makes insulin.11,12 The lockdown may also be to blame because it caused a more sedentary lifestyle, and some people chose to avoid the doctor’s office. Lastly, COVID-19 may merely unmask diabetes that went undiagnosed,12 as 7.3 million Americans live with undiagnosed diabetes.1
Managing COVID-19 and Diabetes
To help manage this crisis, everyone needs to continue to do what they can to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19. That includes: Those with diabetes or at risk for developing diabetes should also work to maintain their health despite social distancing for COVID-19. Strategies include: Maintain a healthy diet Anything we can do to maintain healthy lifestyles during this time will improve health outcomes and decrease the risk of severe complications from COVID-19 and diabetes.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
About the Author
About the Author
Samantha is a registered dietitian nutritionist and Nutrition Programs Manager at Base10 Genetics. She created a nutrition genomics program that combines nutrigenomics, dietitian coaching, and behavior science.
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