Does COVID-19 Infection In Children Increase Their Risk Of Diabetes?

Today, most people recognize that COVID-19 infection poses a significant risk to patients with comorbidities like diabetes, significantly increasing the risk of complications. There is also a growing awareness that COVID can also cause long-term problems in healthy adults, putting them at higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. However, the impact of infection of children has often been overlooked. There is now growing evidence that children infected with COVID may also be at a higher risk of developing diabetes, but more research is needed.

Impact Of COVID-19 In Children On Diabetes Risk

The first warnings about the potential impact of COVID in children was sounded earlier this year, with a CDC report suggesting that kids infected with the virus have a 2.5 times higher likelihood of being diagnosed with diabetes. 

Similar findings were observed in many other studies, including a comprehensive study by researchers at Rady Children’s Hospital, in San Diego. They noted that the incidence of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes in children increased significantly since the pandemic began, as compared to previous years. Moreover, they found that the number of children experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis at the time of diagnosis had increased significantly in frequency in the same period.

How Can COVID-19 Increase Childhood Diabetes Risk?

COVID-19 is known to cause systemic inflammation in the body, which can affect various organs. It is also theorized that the virus directly attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin – beta cells. Researchers are still studying the effects of infection of the beta cells with the COVID virus.

It is thought that the virus may act directly to target and destroy some beta cells, or works indirectly, by triggering an autoimmune response that attacks the beta cells. The precise mechanism by which COVID affects pancreatic function and diabetes risk will only be understood with more research.

Does COVID-19 In Children Increase Their Diabetes Risk?

Although it does seem like COVID increases the risk of diabetes, this cannot be answered conclusively with the evidence available so far. As most experts will point out, the CDC report is not a study, but an observation report that presents health claims data. While it presents a link, it does not establish causation.

More importantly, the report had several limitations as it did not take into account other factors that can significantly increase the risk of diabetes, such as obesity, lifestyle, use of medications, race or ethnicity, and so on. 

Looking at what we know about other types of viral infections, the risk should nevertheless be treated seriously, as some viral infections are already linked to the development of type 1 diabetes.  

Until we know more about the impact of COVID in children and on their diabetes risk, parents are advised to take a cautious approach. While most cases of infection are mild and will not increase the risk of diabetes, it is best to err on the side of caution. Take whatever steps you can to minimize your child’s risk of exposure and make sure to get them vaccinated as soon as a vaccine for children is available. 

References:

• https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7102e2.htm?s_cid=mm7102e2_w
• https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2788283
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2570378/