Interactions between diabetes and COVID-19: A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for severe infections, including COVID-19.
• Diabetic patients often have comorbidities and complications that increase susceptibility to infectious diseases.
• Hyperglycemia and low-grade inflammation in diabetes exacerbate infection risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted relationship between diabetes and COVID-19.
• To understand how diabetes influences COVID-19 severity and outcomes.
• To examine the diabetogenic potential of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its treatments.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on diabetes, COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2.
• Analysis of the impact of comorbidities and inflammation on infection risk.
• Examination of the effects of COVID-19 treatments on glucose homeostasis.
• Review of the renin-angiotensin system's role in SARS-CoV-2-induced insulin resistance.

Main Results:

• Diabetes is associated with increased risk and severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.
• Corticosteroids used in COVID-19 treatment can induce new-onset diabetes.
• SARS-CoV-2 infection can impair insulin secretion and promote insulin resistance.
• The virus may contribute to diabetes development through immune-mediated mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Diabetes significantly worsens COVID-19 outcomes and increases susceptibility to infection.
• Both the virus and its treatments can negatively impact glucose metabolism and diabetes status.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the direct diabetogenic role of SARS-CoV-2.