New Onset Diabetes Mellitus in Post Covid Patients - an Observational Study

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims: The novel coronavirus,binds to angiotensin- converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, which are expressed in key metabolic organs and tissues, including pancreatic beta cells, adipose tissue, small intestine and kidneys. COVID-19 is attributed to the cytokine storm, followed by pancreatic cell damage.Thus, it is plausible that SARS-CoV-2 may cause pleiotropic alterations of glucose metabolism that could complicate the pathophysiology of pre-existing diabetes or lead to new onset Diabetes Mellitus.Thus, the study aims to analyze the development of new onset diabetes in post covid patients Methods: Serum glucose level of 500 patients, between the age of 18 to 50 who were previously normoglycemic and recovered from COVID-19 was measured and incidence of new onset diabetes mellitus was obtained. Result(s) Out of 500previously normoglycemic COVID-19 patients selected for the study, 97 patients (19.4%) developed new onset diabetes mellitus after recovering from COVID-19 disease. Conclusion(s) The results of this study show that a significant amount of people developed new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus after having recovered from COVID-19. Blood glucose control is important not only for prediabetics affected with COVID but also for those affected with no previous status of diabetes mellitus. The results of this paper could be useful in screening and diagnosis of new onset diabetes mellitus at an early stage can be beneficial to avoid further worsening of the patient's health.