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Association of hyperglycaemia with hospital mortality in nondiabetic COVID-19 patients: A cohort study

M Mamtani1, A M Athavale2, M Abraham2

  • 1M&H Research, LLC, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Diabetes & Metabolism
|March 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar, in COVID-19 patients without diabetes is common and indicates a higher risk of death. This condition can signal worsening disease progression in hospitalized patients.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for mortality in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • Understanding the role of hyperglycemia in COVID-19 outcomes is crucial, especially in patients without a prior diabetes diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hyperglycemia in COVID-19 patients, both with and without pre-existing diabetes.
  • To assess the association between hyperglycemia and the severity and mortality of COVID-19 disease.

Main Methods:

  • An observational cohort study was conducted on COVID-19 patients admitted to John H Stroger Jr. Hospital.
  • Hyperglycemia was defined as any blood glucose level ≥7.78 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) during hospitalization.
  • Hospital mortality was the primary outcome, with follow-up data collected until May 15, 2020.

Main Results:

  • Hyperglycemia was observed in 56.6% of COVID-19 patients, with 36.4% having no prior history of diabetes.
  • Patients with hyperglycemia but no prior diabetes had significantly higher mortality (20.5%) compared to those with no hyperglycemia and no diabetes (1.8%).
  • Hyperglycemia was associated with an increased risk of death, improved prediction of mortality, and faster progression to death in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperglycemia is prevalent in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, even in those without diagnosed diabetes.
  • The development of hyperglycemia in non-diabetic COVID-19 patients is a significant indicator of increased mortality risk and progressive disease.
  • Early identification and management of hyperglycemia in COVID-19 patients may be critical for improving outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19DiabetesHospital mortalityHyperglycaemia

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