New Delhi: Coronavirus not only caused the pandemic but also gave rise to many other health complications which can be life threatening as well. The second wave of the disease has left people at their feet and brought crisis to the lives of the people. We are already aware of new debilitating conditions in post-Covid patients that have emerged in many parts of the country known as mucormycosis or black fungus.
Other problems have also been reported such as lung damage, kidney damage and cardiac complications. Many are also concerned about whether the condition of COVID-19 can trigger diabetes in patients who have recovered from the viral disease.
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A new research paper published in the International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism has raised alarm over the onset of diabetes in some people with no blood sugar issues, or after a family history, regardless of body mass index (BMI) and age. In the research paper, Dr. Rujuta Katkar noted a series of observations among eight patients aged 36 to 74, according to publication Midday. The patients under observation had no medical history or even a family history of diabetes, but developed the condition after COVID-19.
should you worry?
The situation in post-Covid patients could be worrying as almost one in six people living with diabetes in the world belong to India, also known as the diabetes capital of the world.
a paper published in NEJM.org It has been noted that there is a bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes. “On the one hand, diabetes is associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19. On the other hand, new-onset diabetes and serious metabolic complications of pre-existing diabetes, including diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolarity, which warrant exceptionally high doses of insulin, have been observed in patients with COVID-19. ,” said the 2020 paper.
Also, during COVID, the patient’s physical activities become restricted, and as a result patients are mostly resting with little physical activity that can increase the risk of high blood sugar. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hyperglycemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common symptom of uncontrolled diabetes and over time can cause serious damage to body parts, especially nerves and blood vessels.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, which are involved in major metabolic organs and tissues, including pancreatic beta cells, fat are expressed. tissue, small intestine and kidney, explains the paper.
‘Thus, it is plausible that SARS-CoV-2 may cause pleiotropic alterations of glucose metabolism that may complicate the pathophysiology of pre-existing diabetes or lead to new mechanisms of disease,’ it reads. .
It has also been observed that patients are given steroids as their glucose level is also affected under the treatment of COVID. Medical experts believe that steroids for covid can make blood sugar levels worse.
what should you do?
It is important to check the onset of diabetes during and after COVID as glycemic control deteriorates. For this the patients will have to opt for regular consultations and check-ups as suggested by the treating physician.
Gradual physical activity, and diet control along with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prove beneficial in averting such a condition.
See below health equipment-
Calculate your body mass index (BMI)
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