ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus and prediabetes have been shown to be associated with high rates of developing severe COVID 19 complications resulting in morbidity and mortality. Emerging reports suggest that COVID 19 is associated with glycaemic control aberrations although the extent is not clear at present. Accordingly, in this review, the efforts are directed to shed light on why we can anticipate an increase in diabetes cases amid or post-COVID 19 pandemic. METHODS: Articles reviewed were identified using Google Scholar database, and the search was done using English language. RESULTS: Previous studies have shown that viral inflammation triggers insulin resistance which can progress to overt diabetes. SARS-CoV-2 has also been shown to cause acute pancreatitis, which can increase the risk of developing diabetes mellitus. The control of the COVID 19 pandemic partly relied on non-pharmaceutical measures which included lockdowns. This resulted in a lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating behaviour which could contribute to obesity and ultimately insulin resistance. CONCLUSION: While there is no concrete data that has been estabilished on the possibility of seeing an increase in diabetes prevalence due to COVID 19, studies are necessary to establish the link. Despite the unavailability of data at present, however, we suggest that frequent screening of diabetes and prediabetes should be encouraged, especially in those individuals with a history of COVID 19 infection.
ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus has been identified as a major risk factor for developing severe COVID 19 complications. In this review article, the efforts were directed to provide insights and the possible extent to which some diabetic pharmacological interventions may exacerbate COVID 19 or may not be idyllic options for COVID 19 patients. Articles reviewed were identified using the Google scholar database, and search was done using the English language. Anti-hyperglycemic is associated with undesirable effects including episodes of hypoglycemia, diarrhea, lactic acidosis, and increased risks of cardiovascular and hepatic hazards. These undesirable effects associated with the anti-hyperglycemic agents possess a threat of developing severe COVID19 complications Therefore, this calls for more studies to understand the extent of the risks these agents possess in diabetic COVID 19 patients. Almost all the anti-hyperglycemic agents have the potential to worsen COVID 19, despite their class. COVID 19 may limit the options in terms of available anti-hyperglycemic agents which may not heighten the risk of developing severe COVID 19 complications. The research towards the discovery and development of new compounds and also new therapeutic targets for hyperglycemia should be encouraged and welcome.