Incidence of newly diagnosed diabetes after Covid-19 – published online 16/03/2022

Wolfgang Rathmann, Oliver Kuss, Karel Kostev

Inflammation caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may result in insulin resistance. It is unclear whether these metabolic changes are temporary, or if coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19) may increase the risk of developing diabetes. In this issue, Rathmann et al (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-022-05670-0) report that adults who recovered from mild Covid-19 had a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than a matched control group who had other types of respiratory infections. New cases of type 2 diabetes were more common in individuals who tested positive for Covid-19 in primary care compared with those diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory infection (15.8 vs 12.3 per 1000 people per year, giving an incidence rate ratio of 1.28). The authors conclude that although type 2 diabetes is not likely to be a problem for the majority of people with mild Covid-19, anyone who has recovered from Covid-19 should be aware of symptoms such as fatigue, frequent urination and increased thirst, and promptly seek medical advice.

All News