Diabetes Mellitus Is an Important Predictor for Hospitalization and Mortality From the COVID-19 Infection: A Substantial Interface Between Two Outbreaks

Individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (DM) are more likely to develop the complications and fatalities from COVID-19. Although researchers have performed studies across the world to evaluate the interaction between DM and COVID-19 with a specific focus on DM as a predictor or determinant for COVID-19, these studies are not synthesized collectively to provide stronger evidence. Hence we aimed to review the studies that have assessed whether diabetes is a predictor or determinants for morbidity and death among patients with COVID-19. Different articles were searched from databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. We undertook a narrative review of full-text research articles that were published in the English language both in developed and developing countries, with a specific focus on diabetes and COVID-19. All primary research articles were examined for information pertinent to the objective. We also reviewed all references of the eligible article to avoid missing any article relevant to the topic of interest. The existing evidence suggests that diabetic patients are at increased risk for adverse outcomes including death from COVID-19. The synthesis of the review revealed that evidence regarding diabetes as a predictor or determinants for morbidity and death among patients with COVID-19 is mixed. Individuals with diabetes are at risk of infections such as COVID-19. Thus, most of the studies have identified DM as a predictor for mortality in patients with COVID-19. In contrast, there are very few studies that reported contrary findings. Individuals with DM are at higher risk of catching infections such as COVID-19. This risk can be decreased, though not eradicated, by maintaining optimum levels of glucose in the blood. Indeed, diabetes was an important predictor for morbidity and death among patients with COVID-19. Therefore, these patients should take extra precautionary measures with good glycemic control and frequent monitoring of blood glucose. J Endocrinol Metab. 2020;10(3-4):74-78 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jem665