Can COVID Cause High Blood Sugar Or Diabetes?

Can COVID-19 Cause Diabetes By Spiking Blood Sugar Levels?

The onset of the pandemic has raised a lot of questions and fear amongst the masses. New research surfaces every day, and with every passing week, we have newer information about the coronavirus and its effects.

One of the most pressing questions related to COVID-19 is about its effect on people with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes. Are these patients at a higher risk of developing COVID-19? Can contracting COVID-19 cause an exacerbation of their current diseases? Let’s answer these questions here.

Can COVID-19 Cause Diabetes In People Who Have Never Been Diagnosed With It Before?

In November 2020, research correlating diabetes and COVID-19 was conducted and published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. It showed that about 14.4% of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 developed diabetes.

However, this study pointed out that COVID-19 may not have been the cause of the newly diagnosed diabetes; it simply showed an association between the two diseases. Stating no concrete scientific proof to back the assumptions that COVID-19 can cause diabetes.

How Does The Coronavirus Trigger Spiked Blood Sugar Levels?

Coronavirus infections cause an inflammatory reaction in our body. In response to the infection, our body produces antibodies that fight against the pathogens. Research shows that these antibodies could mistakenly target the beta cells of the pancreas and inadvertently destroy them. As a result of this immune reaction, insulin levels in the body drop, and sugar levels rise. 

Can COVID-19 Cause Increased Blood Sugar Levels In Known Diabetics?

Research shows that COVID-19 is primarily an inflammatory disorder. In known diabetics, a surge in blood sugar levels after contracting coronavirus is possible. However, patients can keep their sugar levels in check by keeping a close tab on glucose counts and seeking medical help from their doctors. 

The Bottom Line:

In conclusion, we don’t have adequate data and research to prove a causal link between COVID-19 and new-onset diabetes. Patients with COVID-19 should look out for symptoms such as dry mouth, frequent urination, blurry vision, unintentional changes in the body weight and other symptoms of diabetes, and seek medical intervention as soon as possible. 

Reference Links:

1. https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200903/can-covid-19-cause-diabetes
2. https://www.diabetes.org/coronavirus-covid-19/how-coronavirus-impacts-people-with-diabetes#:~:text=A%3A%20People%20with%20diabetes%20are,your%20diabetes%20is%20well%2Dmanaged.
3. https://www.diabetes.org/covid-19-faq
4. https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes/covid-19-and-diabetes.html