The high blood sugar levels in diabetes increase the risk of death more than twice due to coronavirus.
As stated in a study published in the journal Diabetologia, patients with the condition of hyperglycemia and COVID-19 are at a higher death risk. In Wuhan, China, the researchers analyzed the mortality data of 605 patients in hospitals. The authors reported that high blood sugar levels have an independent relationship with the complications and risk of death due to COVID-19.
Among diabetic patients, 1 in every 10 COVID-19 patients died, and the proportion is far higher for other patients with no history of diabetes. Although, it is unclear why the high blood sugar levels are a risk factor for COVID-19.
The authors of the study, however, suggested the reasons could be weak blood vessels, blood clots, and cytokine storm syndrome. Therefore, the weak immune system experiences an overreaction to manage blood sugar levels and respond to infection.
Diabetes is an underlying health condition that sabotages the immune system and its ability to fight the coronavirus infection. Moreover, blood sugar levels are higher in coronavirus patients who have no history of diabetes. Several cases have been reported from India, with patients having elevated blood sugar levels of 400-500mg/dL. Most of the patients are around 25 years of age, with no prediabetic history.
Additionally, the risk of inflammation can increase due to COVID-19, and diabetics are advised to have low-level body inflammation. In effect, the body takes a longer time to recover and heal, making it a challenge of compilation and death due to coronavirus. The authors suggest monitoring and checking the blood glucose levels of all coronavirus patients.
