ABSTRACT
Background: Blood glucose level is an important risk factor for the prognosis of infection and critically ill patients. Stress-induced hyperglycemia is well-known as an adaptive response and expected during times of infection. However, this is believed to be a transient response that resolves upon the improvement of the infection. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the blood glucose levels in a cohort of COVID-19 patients to determine their hyperglycemic status before and after the recovery regardless of their diabetic status. Methodology: This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational study. A detailed case history including investigations and laboratory findings was taken from the recovered COVID-19 patients. Data of their random blood sugar levels before and after COVID-19 recovery were collected and compared to check for their hyperglycemic status after the recovery. Data were then tabulated in the spreadsheet and statistical analysis was done. Results: In our study, we compared the hyperglycemic status after the recovery. About 22.1% had hyperglycemia post-COVID. During COVID, the prevalence of hyperglycemia in patients was 23% with or without a previous history of diabetes. Altogether, there was a significant increase in Blood Glucose levels post-COVID (2-month follow-up) period. A significant P (P = 0.0001) was found in the statistical analysis. Conclusion: Clinicians must recognize that some patients may require monitoring the glycemic status and intensification of the antihyperglycemics for several weeks to months after infection devoid of their diabetic status. © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The Coronavirus Disease (COVID, commonly known as "COVID-19 Pandemic" has affected around 218 countries and territories across the globe. Coronavirus is a deadly virus which gains entry into the human body through various modes and causes symptoms such as dry cough, fatigue, coughing sputum, shortness of breath. The doctors are among the various frontline workers, who are at the greatest risk of contracting the COVID-19 infection. One of the major modes of transmission of coronavirus is the oral cavity. Hence, oral health care workers are at higher risk. Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and is associated with much common comorbidity making it a community health concern. Periodontal procedures are aerosol generating procedures and COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease, so it can be easily contracted during aerosol generating procedures. Periodontitis and COVID-19 have both been associated with much common comorbidity so there is a possible association between them. The role of periodontists in preventing transmission of COVID-19 is critically important. Periodontists face direct exposure to oral fluids such as saliva and blood. So, precautionary measures are imperative for the periodontists so as to protect ourselves. Knowledge about the virus would be helpful in taking the necessary precautions. The aim of this review article was to understand the risk associated with the coronavirus and protection for periodontists in an unprecedented situation.