Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most
common comorbidities in people with COVID-19 infection. Inadequate glycemic control is related to high
inflammation, hypercoagulability, and mortality in
COVID-19 patients. Patients admitted to hospital for
COVID-19 might need modifications to their diabetes
therapy. The study was aimed at evaluating the association of clinical presentation and glycemic management
in patients with type 2 diabetes and COVID-19.
Methods: This retrospective study included 60 patients
with type 2 DM and COVID-19, distributed into three
groups: group 1 oral agents — 32 patients, group 2
oral agents and basal insulin — 15 patients, group
3 intensive insulin treatment — 13 patients. We
measured laboratory parameters, evaluated clinical
presentation, and followed glycemic treatment during
hospitalization.
Results: Patients on oral antidiabetic drugs had better glycemic control before hospitalization, shorter
duration of DM, and normal weight according to BMI
compared with the other two groups. The most common symptoms of COVID -19 were: fever, cough, and
fatigue. For better glycemic control we added basal
insulin in 15 patients in group 1 (50%) and 9 patients
need intensive insulin treatment in group 2 (60%). We
discounted metformin in two patients in group 1 and
three patients in group 2. A total of 7 patients died
(11.6 %) during hospitalization, including 3 deaths in
group 2 (5%), and 4 deaths in group 3 (6.6%).
Conclusions: Poorer glycemic control before COVID -19
is associated with higher inflammation parameters,
worse outcomes, and required modification of their
treatment during hospitalization.
