Clinical Diabetes and Endocrinology (Aug 2024)

The relationship between COVID-19 and hyperglycemia: screening and monitoring hospitalized patients

  • Faranak Salajegheh,
  • Somayyeh Salajegheh,
  • Mohsen Nakhaie,
  • Niloofar Farsiu,
  • Seyedeh Mahdieh Khoshnazar,
  • Reza Sinaei,
  • Mehrdad Farrokhnia,
  • Soheila Torabiyan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40842-024-00184-7
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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Abstract Background Elevated blood glucose concentration, also known as hyperglycemia, has been identified as a significant factor influencing the prognosis of COVID-19, alongside the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection itself. Methods This research is a cross-sectional investigation that examined the relationship between COVID-19 and hyperglycemia in patients admitted to Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman, Iran, from July to September 2021. A standardized data sheet was used to capture demographic data (age, gender) and laboratory information (blood sugar, arterial blood oxygen saturation, and C-reactive protein (CRP)) upon admission. Results The present research evaluated a total of 300 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, with an average age of 50.19 ± 15.55 years. Among these patients, the majority were male, accounting for 51.67% of the total. Hyperglycemia was seen in 21.67% of patients, but less than 20% had new-onset diabetes. Individuals exhibiting hyperglycemia were typical of advanced age (P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a slight but statistically significant association between advanced age and elevated blood glucose concentration (R = 0.254, P < 0.001). Gender had no significant impact on the occurrence of hyperglycemia (P = 0.199). There was no significant association between CRP levels and blood glucose concentration (P = 0.524) or the incidence of hyperglycemia (P = 0.473). Although there was no significant disparity in blood oxygen saturation between individuals with or without hyperglycemia (P = 0.06), higher blood glucose concentration was correlated with lower blood oxygen saturation (R = -0.151, P < 0.001). Conclusion Considering the correlation between blood glucose concentration, advanced age, and disease severity, it is recommended to carefully screen and monitor all COVID-19 patients for hyperglycemia and new-onset diabetes. Effective management of these complications could enhance the control of patients’ overall prognosis and subsequent complications.

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