Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a patient with COVID-19: The window of insulin glargine U300

ABSTRACT

Research on pharmacological therapies for the treatment and prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is limited in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). In this case, diabetes management of a 51-year-old male patient who was followed up and treated with COVID-19 diagnosis in the pandemic clinic is presented. While metformin (2000 mg/day) oral therapy was continued, insulin glargine U100 (IGlar100) was added to the treatment subcutaneously. In addition, enoxaparin, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin were started to be administered to the patient. During follow-up, respiratory distress and tachypnea (26 breaths/min), high fever (38.3oC), increased CRP (42 mg/dL), and decreased oxygen saturation (91%) were detected. Favipiravir was added to the treatment, and metformin was stopped due to possible lactic acidosis risk. IGlar300 treatment with more potency effect and lower risk of hypoglycaemia was initiated while IGlar100 was discontinued. In the follow-ups, titration was provided with IGlar300 to keep fasting blood glucose between 100-140 mg/dL and postprandial one between 140-180 mg/dL. In the treatment for this purpose, a maximum of 34 units/day insulin was needed. Capillary blood sugar monitoring was revised every 12 hours and then once a day. As the infection was brought under control, the required dose of IGlar300 decreased to 14 units/day. After diabetes training with a video phonecall, he was discharged with metformin and IGlar300. IGlar300 may be effective against diabetes in the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, a significant contribution can be made both to the treatment safety of the patient in a glycemic sense and to the safety of contamination by reduced contact of health care professionals.