DIABETES AND RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN-ALDOSTERONE SYSTEM: IMPLICATIONS FOR COVID-19 PATIENTS WITH DIABETES TREATMENT MANAGEMENT

ABSTRACT

In the context of the COVID-19 continuous spreading, this paper focuses on the increased risk of diabetic patients regarding the metabolic control and the uncertainties related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Chronic hyperglycaemia negatively affects the immune system, which triggers an increase of morbidity and mortality for viral infections. A key aspect of COVID-19 resides in the involvement of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system that causes a cascade of reactions mediated by vasoactive peptides with implications in vasoconstriction, vascular permeability, oxidative stress remodelling and tissue injuries. Activation of RAAS at pulmonary level, is responsible for the local damage. Many questions regarding the treatment with ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers were raised considering the correlation between RAAS and viral infection in diabetic patients.