Challenges of diabetes management during COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Diabetic patients are more susceptible to severe forms of COVID-19 infection. They also may have poor glycemic control due to infection and corticosteroids. We aimed to describe the frequency of diabetes and its management in patients with COVID-19 infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It was a retrospective study, including COVID-19 patients, hospitalized in the department of infectious diseases in Hedi Chaker hospital between November 2020 and February 2021. RESULTS: In total, 351 patients were collected. Diabetes was observed in 43.5 % of patients. Diabetes was type 2 in 94.1% of cases. Patients were without any treatment (29%), treated with oral antidiabetic drugs (52.3%), or with insulin (38%). Degenerative complications were found in 22.2 % of patients. Diabetic patients had severe clinical forms (oxygen over 10L per minute) in 75.2%. They were treated with corticosteroids on 91.5 %. (Between 4 mg (10.5%) and 24 mg (29.4%) of dexamethasone). A poor glycemic control was found in 72.5 %, treated with insulin in all cases. Regarding non-diabetic patients (198 patients), 14.2% of patients developed diabetes. For these patients, dexamethasone was prescribed at a posology over 12 mg in 60.7% of cases. The average duration of corticosteroids in those patients was 9 days. All patients were discharged with oral antidiabetics. CONCLUSION: People with diabetes should be educated regarding the management of their condition during COVID-19 infection, including medication changes. If neglected, it may result in increased morbidity and mortality. Funding and Conflicts of Interest No