Diabetes patients using Insulin have high mortality with COVID 19 infection

The following are the key findings of the study:

• 696 patients were included with a median age of 57 years, interquartile range [IQR] 51–62, and median body mass index of 29.9 (IQR: 26–34.7).
• The majority (476 [68%]) were males with 227 cases (33%) and 469 controls (67%).
• More cases than controls were hypertensive (74% vs 67%, p = 0.03), on ACE/ARB (50% vs 42%, p = 0.05), and had a hemoglobin A1c > 8.1 (71% vs 44%, p < 0.001).
• More cases had AKI (52% vs 38%, p < 0.001), however, no significant differences were found in intubation rates (26% vs 24%, p = 0.54), detection of pulmonary embolism (4% vs 6%, p = 0.19) or death rate (15% vs 11%, p = 0.22) comparing cases and controls.
• In a multivariate analysis, home insulin use was independently associated with an increased risk of death (Hazard ratio: 1.92, 95% confidence interval (1.13–3.23)).

Thus, the researchers concluded that diabetic patients on home insulin with COVID-19 pneumonia, have worse outcomes and increased mortality compared to diabetics on oral antihyperglycemic agents. They further suggested,  close monitoring of insulin-dependent type II diabetic patients considering the current pandemic situation.  

To read the full article, click here: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-022-00857-2