Evaluation of Blood Glucose Levels of COVID-19 Patients before and after Recovery Regardless of Their Diabetic Status

Abstract

Background: Blood glucose level is an important risk factor for the prognosis of infection and critically ill patients. Stress-induced hyperglycemia is well-known as an adaptive response and expected during times of infection. However, this is believed to be a transient response that resolves upon the improvement of the infection. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the blood glucose levels in a cohort of COVID-19 patients to determine their hyperglycemic status before and after the recovery regardless of their diabetic status. Methodology: This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational study. A detailed case history including investigations and laboratory findings was taken from the recovered COVID-19 patients. Data of their random blood sugar levels before and after COVID-19 recovery were collected and compared to check for their hyperglycemic status after the recovery. Data were then tabulated in the spreadsheet and statistical analysis was done. Results: In our study, we compared the hyperglycemic status after the recovery. About 22.1% had hyperglycemia post-COVID. During COVID, the prevalence of hyperglycemia in patients was 23% with or without a previous history of diabetes. Altogether, there was a significant increase in Blood Glucose levels post-COVID (2-month follow-up) period. A significant P (P = 0.0001) was found in the statistical analysis. Conclusion: Clinicians must recognize that some patients may require monitoring the glycemic status and intensification of the antihyperglycemics for several weeks to months after infection devoid of their diabetic status.