ABSTRACT
Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a recently discovered virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome. Influenza-related mortality poses an important risk factor for COVID-19, and comorbidity with diabetes is another important factor. Aim: The present study evaluated the biochemical features of COVID-19 positive patients with and without diabetes mellitus was admitted in DMWIMS Hospital Wayanad, Kerala state. Materials and Methods: Demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatments, complications, and clinical outcomes data of 194 patients were extracted from hospital management software and compared between diabetes (n=64) and non-diabetes (n=130) groups. The biochemical parameters such as D-Dimer, CRP, HbA1C, serum Potassium and albumin values were obtained from the Laboratory management software -medical records of the patients were analysed. Results: Compared with non-diabetic patients, diabetic patients had higher levels of S. Potassium (p=.014), C-reactive protein (p=.008), HbA1C (p<.01), and D-dimer (p=.033), and lower levels albumin (p=.035). Conclusion: COVID-19 is associated with diabetes as an independent risk factor. Diabetes patients, especially those who require insulin therapy, need more attention when it comes to prevention and treatment.