Paying close attention to diabetic patients with novel coronavirus infection

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a major infectious disease. Current clinical studies have shown that diabetes is commonly complicated with this disorder. Hyperglycemia is a risk factor for severe infection, and also an independent risk factor for the progression of mild infection to severe ones. This may be related to the immune deficiency of diabetics. Besides, virus may cause direct damage to the islets and induce acute stress hyperglycemia. Special attention should be paid to the diabetics with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Systemic steroid hormones should be used with particular caution in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially those with diabetes. Key words: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Infection; Diabetes mellitus; Immune deficiency