COVID-19 and Diabetes

Abstract

Sinisa Franjic

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus which is easily transmitted among humans. One of the reasons for the greater risk of diabetes is that insulin resistance promotes low-grade chronic inflammation, leaving the immune system weakened due to this constant state of alertness. Additional risk factors such as heart disease are often present in people infected with COVID-19 who have diabetes. It is important to point out that controlling blood sugar, before and during infection, can be helpful in fighting infection. Blood sugar control in people with diabetes is a procedure that can prevent certain infections and ensure a normal defense mechanism in response to infection. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused concern around the world, especially in people with certain diseases such as diabetes. Data available to the American Heart Association show that among COVID-19 patients treated in intensive care units, 32 percent have diabetes, and among those hospitalized who are not in intensive care units, 24 percent have diabetes. It is estimated that diabetics have a nearly five times higher risk of death from COVID-19.

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