A new research paper published in the International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism warns of the onset of diabetes after Covid-19 in some people without blood sugar problems or family history regardless of body mass index (BMI) and age. The author of the research paper, Dr. Rujuta Katkar, mentioned a series of observations in eight patients between the ages of 36 and 74, reported MidDay. According to Dr. Katkar has no or even family history of diabetes, but developed it after Covid-19. Indianexpress.com reached out to experts to find out how common diabetes is in Covid-19 patients, known as Covid diabetes.
“Yes, we have also observed an increased incidence of diabetes and a worsening of existing diabetes after a Covid infection. There is evidence that the Covid virus itself can damage the beta cells, ”said Dr. Jugal Gada, Endocrinologist, Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai.
Why is it a concern?
Because almost every sixth diabetic worldwide comes from India, also known as the diabetes capital of the world.
causes
According to Dr. Saket Kant, Senior Consultant, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Gurugram, selectively binds Covid to beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for insulin secretion, and destroys them.
“During the Covid treatment, the patient’s physical activities are restricted. As a result, patients with bed rest Covid tend to eat more than the physical activities they do, ”said Dr. Kant.
This increases the risk of high blood sugar. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hyperglycemia or increased Blood sugar, is a common consequence of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to severe damage to many body systems, especially nerves and blood vessels.
According to a paper published on NEJM.org, there is a two-way relationship between Covid-19 and diabetes. “On the one hand, diabetes is associated with an increased risk of severe Covid-19. On the other hand, patients with Covid-19 have seen emerging diabetes and severe metabolic complications from pre-existing diabetes, including diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolarity, for which exceptionally high doses of insulin are warranted, ”the 2020 paper states.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes Covid-19, binds to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors that are expressed in major metabolic organs and tissues, including beta cells the pancreas, fat tissues, the small intestine and the kidneys, it says in the paper.
“It is therefore plausible that SARS-CoV-2 can cause pleiotropic changes in glucose metabolism, which complicate the pathophysiology of pre-existing diabetes or could lead to new disease mechanisms,” it says.
People with no previous history also report diabetes after Covid. (Photo: Getty Images / Thinkstock)
How is steroid use related to Covid diabetes?
Many patients are given steroids as part of their Covid treatment, which affect their glucose levels, said Dr. Kant. According to Dr. Gada, steroids against Covid can worsen blood sugar levels even further. Insulin becomes necessary when you are on Steroids or even without steroids, if the sugar is very high for optimal treatment of Covid and prevention of secondary infections, there is a possibility of diabetes occurring, “
What can be done
Due to the deterioration in blood sugar control during and after Covid, a high suspicion index for newly onset diabetes should be maintained. Regular consultations and examinations as instructed by the attending physician are in the foreground, says Dr. Kant.
“Early diagnosis / intensification of treatment, graded physical activity and nutritional control are the keys to good results,” said Dr. Kant.
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