Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and COVID-19: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic metabolic disorder with increasing global incidence.
• T2DM is associated with increased risk of complications in various diseases.
• Emerging evidence suggests a significant bidirectional interaction between T2DM and COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the link between T2DM and COVID-19.
• To discuss the impact of T2DM on COVID-19 prognosis.
• To explore the emergence of new T2DM cases post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies examining T2DM and COVID-19.
• Analysis of evidence on COVID-19 outcomes in T2DM patients.
• Discussion of potential implications of T2DM treatments on SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Results:

• Individuals with T2DM generally experience a worse prognosis when infected with COVID-19.
• Studies indicate a potential for SARS-CoV-2 infection to trigger new diagnoses of T2DM.
• The interplay between T2DM treatments and SARS-CoV-2 infection warrants further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the T2DM-COVID-19 link is crucial for identifying at-risk populations.
• Developing targeted strategies can improve outcomes for diabetic patients with COVID-19.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this interaction.