Coronavirus: Can COVID-19 cause diabetes? Here's what you should know

Diabetes is considered a comorbidity for COVID-19 patients. For some patients, however, it can result in a diabetes diagnosis!

From what is being increasingly observed, there's been an increase in diabetes cases since the last few months, especially common in those who have a history of COVID-19. This revelation has become a centre of many studies and researches and now, one of the prime reasons many are suspecting it to be yet another way the virus can have scary repercussions on the human body.

From anecdotal evidence which has emerged so far, a lot of patients have reportedly developed diabetes either during their infection or after recovery.

Over eight studies, involving more than 3700 COVID recovered patients have been surveyed for the same. The findings, according to leading researchers based out of the US observed that as many as 14% of patients went on to develop diabetes.

Similar findings were also found in the UK and China, where over 40,0000 survivors were analyzed.

The studies also observed a startling development- most of the people who developed diabetes after COVID-19 had no history of the disease, which is increasingly seen worldwide.

While the big lingering question- as to how COVID-19 cause diabetes remains unclear. Yet, there are some theories that can point us to the clues, including how the virus spreads in our body.

Recovery after novel coronavirus isn't the easiest. For some, it could result in fateful complications, such as long COVID and many other lingering side-effects which could impact vital functioning. Whether or not diabetes is a symptom of long COVID is unclear yet. However, from what has been observed, scientists and doctors are starting to think that the virus causing COVID-19, SARS-COV-2 has the ability to cause insulin and glucose metabolism malfunctioning, which can cause diabetes.

Now, diabetes is a big risk factor for COVID-19. From severity to mortality, diabetes patients are more susceptible to complications resultant of the virus. Whether or not people who end up developing diabetes face a similar risk is yet to be ascertained. Yet, what experts feel is that the cases of 'post-COVID-diabetes' could be quite profound and put people at the risk of developing other complications as well.

One way the virus impacts your body is by lowering the immunity threshold. How the virus impairs your pancreas could depend on the way the virus interacts with the ACE2 receptors.

The virus interacts with the ACE 2 receptors to infiltrate and attack vital organs, including the pancreas, causing insulin disturbance.

Another way many believe new diabetes cases could be surging is due to cytokine storm-the infamous complication associated with the viral infection which forces the immune system to turn on itself, produce fatal cytokines that attack vital tissues and organs. This could make it difficult for the organs to sustain vital functioning, or produce normal glucose levels.

Another theory suggests that the virus may impair cell linings, including the intestines which may undermine the organs' ability to regulate and break down glucose.

Again, while a lot more clinical evidence shall be required to conclude the link between COVID and new diabetes cases, recovered patients are being increasingly made aware to not ignore signs of deterioration, and be careful.

A lot of the drugs used to treat COVID-19 are experimentally used. Some, like steroid drugs used during treatment, can also cause blood sugar flare-up, doctors have warned.

COVID-19 could trigger both Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes in recovered patients. While diabetes remains to be big comorbidity which impacts your health in a major manner and more clinical evidence on the matter is awaited, it is important to watch for early signs and seek attention at the right times. The ones over the age of 40, and at the risk for other diseases should remain doubly careful.

Some of the warning signs and symptoms of blood sugar level flare-up (hyperglycemia), and diabetes are:

-Fatigue

-Intense hunger cravings

-Heavy thirst

-Blurry vision

-Slow healing and recovery from cuts, bruises and injuries

-Frequent urination

-Tingling or numbness