A NEW STUDY ANALYZED THE ASSOCIATION between COVID-19, including disease severity and risk for diabetes, using data for 629,935 people from 2020 and 2021. Most were unvaccinated, and 20 percent were diagnosed with COVID-19. Those with a severe infection had a three-fold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those without COVID.
“Accept that diabetes care is up to you. You are the one who decides what to eat, how much to exercise, and when to check your blood glucose. Accept this for what it is — control. You are in control.”
― American Diabetes Association, Diabetes A to Z: What You Need to Know about Diabetes — Put
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. It is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for around 90–95% of all diagnosed cases.
In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to the effects of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate glucose (sugar) absorption into the body’s cells for energy use. When there is a lack of insulin, or the body’s cells do not respond properly, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Several factors contribute to developing type 2 diabetes, including genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and obesity. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing insulin resistance. A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet (high in sugar and unhealthy fats), and age (especially after 45) are risk factors.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores or infections, and frequent infections. However, some people may have diabetes without experiencing noticeable symptoms, which is why regular medical check-ups are important for early detection.
Treatment for type 2 diabetes focuses on managing blood sugar levels and preventing complications. Management typically involves lifestyle modifications such as adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, losing weight (if necessary), and monitoring blood sugar levels. Occasionally, a care provider may prescribe oral medications or insulin injections to help control blood sugar levels.
If left unmanaged, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems, and foot ulcers. However, with proper management and lifestyle changes, individuals with type 2 diabetes can lead a healthy and active life.
Severe COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes risk
The health information came from a registry maintained by public health officials in British Columbia (Canada). The follow-up period was 257 days. Here are the key study findings:
- Women did not have an increased risk of diabetes unless they were severely ill.
- Men with even mild COVID-19 had an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
The underlying mechanism behind the COVID-19 and diabetes connection is not known. We know that the COVID virus can infect pancreas beta cells that express angiotensin-converting enzyme two receptors and induce beta-cell apoptosis.
What this means, in layperson language, is that the virus affects pancreas insulin levels and secretion. The destruction of pancreas beta cells is linked with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
This stress may push a person from pre-diabetes to diabetes. The researchers estimated that the increased incidence of diabetes following COVID infection could increase diabetes risk by three to five percent.
Key points — Severe COVID-19 and Diabetes Risk
Question. Does severe COVID-19 infection increase the risk of diabetes in the following year?
Findings. Women and men with severe illness from COVID-19 had an increased risk of a diabetes diagnosis in the following year. Men with mild COVID cases were significantly more likely than non-infected men to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Meaning. While the study cannot establish a causal relationship, severe COVID infections are associated with a higher risk of being diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. Men who had even a mild infection also had an elevated risk.
This COVID-diabetes association makes sense: COVID impacts the pancreas, which makes insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body regulate blood sugar — a process that doesn’t work properly in people with diabetes.
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Thank you for reading “Severe COVID-19 and Diabetes Risk.”
