New research shows a worrying link between COVID-19 and diabetes.
AdventHealth warned doctors to be on the lookout for cases of patients dealing with the coronavirus who have serious blood sugar problems.
Dr. Aftab Khan said he saw several patients over the age of 40 who developed pneumonia from COVID-19 and then developed type 1 diabetes.
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“Research has shown that 14% of patients who develop severe COVID infection will get diabetes again,” he said.
Khan said the coronavirus is attacking pancreatic beta cells.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” said Khan. “The people who had diabetes had serious infections. And people who didn’t have diabetes had diabetes after the severe COVID infection. “
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Khan said anyone hospitalized with COVID-19 should get a full lab exam and screen for diabetes.
The signs of diabetes include excessive urination, excessive thirst, blurred vision, or abdominal pain.
If this describes what you are experiencing, call your doctor right away.
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Khan warns that the rising number of new onset diabetes cases from COVID-19 is likely to lead to higher health care and insulin costs.
