Individuals with Diabetes Up to Four Times More Likely to Develop Long COVID-19

A new study reveals that diabetes is a potential risk factor for post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), also known as long COVID-19, a range of post-COVID-19 symptoms such as brain fog, skin conditions, depression, and shortness of breath. The findings were presented as a late-breaking poster session at the 82nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) in New Orleans, LA.

Research shows that up to 10 to 30 percent of individuals that had COVID-19 may experience long COVID-19. Post-COVID-19 conditions are more prevalent in those with severe cases of COVID-19. This is particularly concerning for patients with diabetes, a patient population at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection. Now, researchers are working to understand whether diabetes is also a risk factor for long COVID-19.

In order to determine the impact of diabetes on the development of long COVID-19 following an initial COVID-19 infection, the study included all peer-reviewed full-text observational research studies published in English between January 1, 2020 and January 27, 2022 that reported on the risk of PASC in people with and without diabetes with a minimum of four-weeks follow-up after COVID-19 diagnosis, and narratively synthesized results.