COVID-19 infection in Italian people with diabetes: Lessons learned for our future (an experience to be used)

Research Progress on the Weak Immune Response to the COVID-19 Vaccine in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is generally susceptible to the population, highly infectious, rapidly transmitted, and highly fatal. There is a lack of specific drugs against the virus at present and vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent infection. However, studies have found that some groups, particularly patients with diabetes, show varying degrees of weak immune reactivity to various COVID-19 vaccines, resulting in poor preventive efficacy against the novel coronavirus in patients with diabetes. Therefore, in this study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who had weak immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine in recent years were analyzed. This article reviews the phenomenon, preliminary mechanism, and related factors affecting weak vaccine response in patients with T2DM, which is expected to help in the development of new vaccines for high-risk groups for COVID-19.

Causal relationship between COVID-19 and chronic pain: A mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVE

COVID-19 is a highly transmissible disease that can result in long-term symptoms, including chronic pain. However, the mechanisms behind the persistence of long-COVID pain are not yet fully elucidated, highlighting the need for further research to establish causality. Mendelian randomization (MR), a statistical technique for determining a causal relationship between exposure and outcome, has been employed in this study to investigate the association between COVID-19 and chronic pain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The IVW, MR Egger, and weighted median methods were employed. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q statistic. MR Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO tests were performed to detect pleiotropy. The Bonferroni method was employed for the correction of multiple testing. R software was used for all statistical analyses.

RESULT

Based on the IVW method, hospitalized COVID-19 patients exhibit a higher risk of experiencing lower leg joint pain compared to the normal population. Meanwhile, the associations between COVID-19 hospitalization and back pain, headache, and pain all over the body were suggestive. Additionally, COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization were found to have a suggestive higher risk of experiencing neck or shoulder pain and pain all over the body compared to those who did not require hospitalization. Patients with severe respiratory-confirmed COVID-19 showed a suggestive increased risk of experiencing pain all over the body compared to the normal population.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the link between COVID-19 severity and pain in different body regions, with implications for targeted interventions to reduce COVID-19 induced chronic pain burden.

Assessment of the levels of some prognostic biomolecules (galectins, ACE2, SCUBE1/2/3) in COVID-19 patients

Aim: Our aim was to investigate the differences between healthy people and COVID-19 patients in terms of some immunological biomolecules, especially including those related to the inflammation process. Materials & methods: A total of 180 participants (90 healthy controls and 90 COVID-19 patients) were included. The expression levels of eight different inflammation-related biomolecules were measured by the ELISA technique. Results: The mean levels of ACE2, ANG1-7, GAL3, GAL9, SCUBE1, SCUBE2 and SCUBE3 were elevated in COVID-19 patients when compared with healthy controls, while the mean level of GAL2 was lower in COVID-19 patients than controls. Conclusion: To understand the cytokine storm mechanism and related parameters, more detailed studies should be performed investigating more related biomolecules and related signaling pathways.

Issues and challenges in diabetic neuropathy management: A narrative review

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a devastating disorder with an increasing prevalence globally. This epidemic can pose a critical burden on individuals and com-munities, subsequently affecting the productivity and economic output of a country. With more people living a sedentary lifestyle, the incidence of DN is escalating worldwide. Many researchers have relentlessly worked on ways to combat this devastating disease. Their efforts have given rise to a number of commercially available therapies that can alleviate the symptoms of DN. Unfortunately, most of these therapies are only partially effective. Worse still, some are associated with unfavorable side effects. This narrative review aims to highlight current issues and challenges in the management of DN, especially from the perspective of molecular mechanisms that lead to its progression, with the hope of providing future direction in the management of DN. To improve the approaches to diabetic management, the suggested resolutions in the literature are also discussed in this review. This review will provide an in-depth understanding of the causative mechanisms of DN, apart from the insights to improve the quality and strategic approaches to DN management.

Retrospective Analysis of the Outcome of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients with Coexisting Metabolic Syndrome and HIV Using Multinomial Logistic Regression

Globally, the coexistence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and HIV has become an important public health problem, putting coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) hospitalized patients at risk for severe manifestations and higher mortality. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted to identify factors and determine their relationships with hospitalization outcomes for COVID-19 patients using secondary data from the Department of Health in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study included 15,151 patient clinical records of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases. Data on MetS was extracted in the form of a cluster of metabolic factors. These included abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and impaired fasting glucose captured on an information sheet. Spatial distribution of mortality among patients was observed; overall (21-33%), hypertension (32-43%), diabetes (34-47%), and HIV (31-45%). A multinomial logistic regression model was applied to identify factors and determine their relationships with hospitalization outcomes for COVID-19 patients. Mortality among COVID-19 patients was associated with being older (≥50+ years), male, and HIV positive. Having hypertension and diabetes reduced the duration from admission to death. Being transferred from a primary health facility (PHC) to a referral hospital among COVID-19 patients was associated with ventilation and less chance of being transferred to another health facility when having HIV plus MetS. Patients with MetS had a higher mortality rate within seven days of hospitalization, followed by those with obesity as an individual component. MetS and its components such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity should be considered a composite predictor of COVID-19 fatal outcomes, mostly, increased risk of mortality. The study increases our understanding of the common contributing variables to severe manifestations and a greater mortality risk among COVID-19 hospitalized patients by investigating the influence of MetS, its components, and HIV coexistence. Prevention remains the mainstay for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. The findings underscore the need for improvement of critical care resources across South Africa.

Innate and adaptive immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and predisposing factors

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has affected all countries worldwide. Although some symptoms are relatively mild, others are still associated with severe and even fatal clinical outcomes. Innate and adaptive immunity are important for the control of SARS-CoV-2 infections, whereas a comprehensive characterization of the innate and adaptive immune response to COVID-19 is still lacking and the mechanisms underlying immune pathogenesis and host predisposing factors are still a matter of scientific debate. Here, the specific functions and kinetics of innate and adaptive immunity involved in SARS-CoV-2 recognition and resultant pathogenesis are discussed, as well as their immune memory for vaccinations, viral-mediated immune evasion, and the current and future immunotherapeutic agents. We also highlight host factors that contribute to infection, which may deepen the understanding of viral pathogenesis and help identify targeted therapies that attenuate severe disease and infection.

Utility of chest radiograph severity scoring in emergency department for predicting outcomes in COVID-19: A study of 1275 patients

OBJECTIVE

To measure the reliability and reproducibility of a chest radiograph severity score (CSS) in prognosticating patient's severity of disease and outcomes at the time of disease presentation in the emergency department (ED) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied 1275 consecutive RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 adult patients presenting to ED from March 2020 through June 2020. Chest radiograph severity score was assessed for each patient by two blinded radiologists. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected. The rate of admission to intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation or death up to 60 days after the baseline chest radiograph were collected. Primary outcome was defined as occurrence of ICU admission or death. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between clinical parameters, chest radiograph severity score, and primary outcome.

RESULTS

CSS of 3 or more was associated with ICU admission (78 % sensitivity; 73.1 % specificity; area under curve 0.81). CSS and pre-existing diabetes were independent predictors of primary outcome (odds ratio, 7; 95 % CI: 3.87, 11.73; p < 0.001 & odds ratio, 2; 95 % CI: 1-3.4, p 0.02 respectively). No significant difference in primary outcome was observed for those with history of hypertension, asthma, chronic kidney disease or coronary artery disease.

CONCLUSION

Semi-quantitative assessment of CSS at the time of disease presentation in the ED predicted outcomes in adults of all age with COVID-19.

A Review on COVID-19: Primary Receptor, Endothelial Dysfunction, Related Comorbidities, and Therapeutics

Since December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic named coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and resulted in a worldwide economic crisis. Utilizing the spike-like protein on its surface, the SARS-CoV-2 binds to the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which highly expresses on the surface of many cell types. Given the crucial role of ACE2 in the renin–angiotensin system, its engagement by SARS-CoV-2 could potentially result in endothelial cell perturbation. This is supported by the observation that one of the most common consequences of COVID-19 infection is endothelial dysfunction and subsequent vascular damage. Furthermore, endothelial dysfunction is the shared denominator among previous comorbidities, including hypertension, kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, etc., which are associated with an increased risk of severe disease and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Several vaccines and therapeutics have been developed and suggested for COVID-19 therapy. The present review summarizes the relationship between ACE2 and endothelial dysfunction and COVID-19, also reviews the most common comorbidities associated with COVID-19, and finally reviews several categories of potential therapies against COVID-19.

How Diabetes and Other Comorbidities of Elderly Patients and Their Treatment Influence Levels of Glycation Products

Medical care for geriatric patients is a great challenge, mainly due to various overlapping deficits relevant to numerous coexisting diseases, of which the most common are diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. In the case of diabetes, the glycation process is intensified, which accelerates atherosclerosis development and diabetic complications. Our goal was to investigate the relationship between the classical biochemical parameters of diabetes and atherosclerosis, as well as parameters which may indicate a nephropathy, and the parameters strictly related to glycation, taking into account the pharmacological treatment of patients. Methods: We analyzed the patients’ serum concentrations of fluorescent glycation product—pentosidine, concentrations of soluble receptors for advanced glycation products (sRAGE), lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), galectin 3 (GAL3), scavenger receptor class A (SR-A), and scavenger receptor class B (SR-BI), as well as the level of lipid peroxidation and free amine content. Among the identified correlations, the most interesting are the following: sRAGE with triglycerides (r = 0.47, p = 0.009), sRAGE with SR-BI (r = 0.47, p = 0.013), SR-BI with LOX-1 (r = 0.31, p = 0.013), and SR-BI with HDL (r = −0.30, p = 0.02). It has been shown that pentosidine and reactive free amine contents are significantly higher in elderly patients with ischemic heart disease. Pentosidine is also significantly higher in patients with arterial hypertension. Malondialdehyde turned out to be higher in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 that was not treated with insulin or metformin than in those treated with both medications (p = 0.052). GAL3 was found to be lower both in persons without diabetes and in diabetics treated with metformin (p = 0.005). LOX-1 was higher in diabetic patients not treated with metformin or insulin, and lowest in diabetics treated with both insulin and metformin, with the effect of metformin reducing LOX-1 levels (p = 0.039). Our results were the basis for a discussion about the diagnostic value in the clinical practice of LOX-1 and GAL3 in geriatric patients with diabetes and also provide grounds for inferring the therapeutic benefits of insulin and metformin treatment.

Sustained Hyperglycemia and Its Relationship with the Outcome of Hospitalized Patients with Severe COVID-19: Potential Role of ACE2 Upregulation

Chronic hyperglycemia increases the risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, but the related mechanisms are unclear. A mean glucose level upon hospital admission >166 mg/dl correlates positively with acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with hyperglycemia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sustained hyperglycemia and the outcome of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. We also evaluated the effect of high glucose concentrations on the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). We carried out a case-control study with hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 with and without sustained hyperglycemia. In a second stage, we performed in vitro assays evaluating the effects of high glucose concentrations on ACE2 gene expression. Fifty hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 were included, of which 28 (56%) died and 22 (44%) recovered. Patients who died due to COVID-19 and COVID-19 survivors had a high prevalence of hyperglycemia (96.4% versus 90.9%), with elevated central glucose upon admission (197.7 mg/dl versus 155.9 mg/dl, p = 0.089) and at discharge (185.2 mg/dl versus 134 mg/dl, p = 0.038). The mean hypoxemia level upon hospital admission was 81% in patients who died due to COVID-19 complications and 88% in patients who survived (p = 0.026); at the time of discharge, hypoxemia levels were also different between the groups (68% versus 92%, p ≤ 0.001). In vitro assays showed that the viability of A549 cells decreased (76.41%) as the glucose concentration increased, and the ACE2 gene was overexpressed 9.91-fold after 72 h (p ≤ 0.001). The relationship between hyperglycemia and COVID-19 in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 plays an important role in COVID-19-related complications and the outcome for these patients. In patients with chronic and/or sustained hyperglycemia, the upregulation of ACE2, and its potential glycation and malfunction, could be related to complications observed in patients with COVID-19.

Predicting mental burnout among Israeli Home Front Command soldiers during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The present study examined personality, situational and organizational predictors of burnout during COVID-19 in a military setting, based on the salutogenic theory of health (Antonovsky, 1987).

METHOD

Questionnaires were completed by 116 reserve Israeli Home Front Command medical staff (71% males). Background variables (e.g., gender), personality variables (self-efficacy and sense of coherence - SOC), situational variables (state-anxiety, self-rated health and sense of threat) and organizational variables (satisfaction with military's and government's handling of the COVID-19 crisis) were measured as predictors of burnout.

RESULTS

Females had higher levels of state anxiety and burnout compared to males. Females also reported a lower level of satisfaction with the military's handling of the COVID-19 crisis than males. SOC and state anxiety were the only statistically significant predictors of burnout after controlling for sociodemographic variables. The entire model explained 59.4% of the burnout variance.

CONCLUSION

In accordance with salutogenic theory, SOC is associated with active adaptation through use of generalized and specific resistance resources to avoid burnout in a stressful milieu. Psychological support, psychoeducation and simulation training are offered to increase manageability in crisis situations.

LIMITATIONS

Following a large dropout rate due to being quarantined, the final sample size was much smaller than planned. Also, although previous longitudinal studies have found SOC to be a causal factor in burnout, the present cross-sectional design limits such conclusions.

National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD) Protocol for the Treatment of Patients with COVID-19

: More than a year after the onset of the coronavirus disease pandemic in 2019, the disease remains a major global health issue. During this time, health organizations worldwide have tried to provide integrated treatment guidelines to control coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at different levels. However, due to the novel nature of the disease and the emergence of new variants, medical teams' updating medical information and drug prescribing guidelines should be given special attention. This version is an updated instruction of the National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD) in collaboration with a group of specialists from Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran, Iran, which is provided to update the information of caring clinicians for the treatment and care of COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

Comorbidities, Associated Diseases, and Risk Assessment in COVID-19-A Systematic Review

It is considered that COVID-19's pandemic expansion is responsible for the particular increase in deaths, especially among the population with comorbidities. The health system is often overwhelmed by the large number of cases of patients addressing it, by the regional limitation of funds, and by the gravity of cases at subjects suffering from this pathology. Several associated conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, obesity, persistent lung condition, neurodegenerative diseases, etc., increase the mortality risk and hospitalization of subjects suffering from COVID-19. The rapid identification of patients with increased risk of death from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the stratification in accordance with the risk and the allocation of human, financial, and logistical resources in proportion must be a priority for health systems worldwide.

Diabetes in COVID-19 patients: challenges and possible management strategies

Background

The recent pandemic of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has been causing intense stress among the global population. In the case of hospitalized and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, it has been observed that a major portion of them are diabetic. Therefore, researchers had indicated a link between diabetes mellitus (DM) and COVID-19. Furthermore, DM is a potential risk factor for the severity of COVID-19 cases. Thus, in this study, the correlation existing between diabetic patients and COVID-19 was summarized.

Main body of the abstract

Diabetic patients have a weaker immune system, less viral clearance rate, malfunctions of metabolic activity due to their high blood glucose level, and other associated problems. This does not increase the susceptibility for the patients to be infected with COVID-19. However, the severity of COVID-19 can worsen due to the comorbidity of DM.

Short conclusion

Proper management, appropriate use of drugs that do not increase the ACE2 expression, lowering blood glucose level, decreasing the susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle could be effective.

Heart failure in type 2 diabetes: current perspectives on screening, diagnosis and management

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most relevant risk factors for heart failure, the prevalence of which is increasing worldwide. The aim of the review is to highlight the current perspectives of the pathophysiology of heart failure as it pertains to type 2 diabetes. This review summarizes the proposed mechanistic bases, explaining the myocardial damage induced by diabetes-related stressors and other risk factors, i.e., cardiomyopathy in type 2 diabetes. We highlight the complex pathology of individuals with type 2 diabetes, including the relationship with chronic kidney disease, metabolic alterations, and heart failure. We also discuss the current criteria used for heart failure diagnosis and the gold standard screening tools for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Currently approved pharmacological therapies with primary use in type 2 diabetes and heart failure, and the treatment-guiding role of NT-proBNP are also presented. Finally, the influence of the presence of type 2 diabetes as well as heart failure on COVID-19 severity is briefly discussed.

Biological Aging Predicts Vulnerability to COVID-19 Severity in UK Biobank Participants

Background

Age and disease prevalence are the 2 biggest risk factors for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptom severity and death. We therefore hypothesized that increased biological age, beyond chronological age, may be driving disease-related trends in COVID-19 severity.

Methods

Using the UK Biobank England data, we tested whether a biological age estimate (PhenoAge) measured more than a decade prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was predictive of 2 COVID-19 severity outcomes (inpatient test positivity and COVID-19-related mortality with inpatient test-confirmed COVID-19). Logistic regression models were used with adjustment for age at the pandemic, sex, ethnicity, baseline assessment centers, and preexisting diseases/conditions.

Results

Six hundred and thirteen participants tested positive at inpatient settings between March 16 and April 27, 2020, 154 of whom succumbed to COVID-19. PhenoAge was associated with increased risks of inpatient test positivity and COVID-19-related mortality (OR_Mortality = 1.63 per 5 years, 95% CI: 1.43–1.86, p = 4.7 × 10⁻¹³) adjusting for demographics including age at the pandemic. Further adjustment for preexisting diseases/conditions at baseline (OR_M = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.30–1.73 per 5 years, p = 3.1 × 10⁻⁸) and at the early pandemic (OR_M = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.04–1.40 per 5 years, p = .011) decreased the association.

Conclusions

PhenoAge measured in 2006–2010 was associated with COVID-19 severity outcomes more than 10 years later. These associations were partly accounted for by prevalent chronic diseases proximate to COVID-19 infection. Overall, our results suggest that aging biomarkers, like PhenoAge may capture long-term vulnerability to diseases like COVID-19, even before the accumulation of age-related comorbid conditions.

Could Dapagliflozin Attenuate COVID-19 Progression in High-Risk Patients With or Without Diabetes? Behind DARE-19 Concept

ABSTRACT

Epidemiological studies indicate that diabetes is the second most common comorbidity in COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, exerts direct cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects. DARE-19 (Dapagliflozin in Respiratory Failure in Patients With COVID-19), an ongoing clinical trial, is designed to investigate the impact of dapagliflozin on COVID-19 progression. This article discusses the potential favorable impact of dapagliflozin on COVID-19 and its complications.

Spike in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Rates in Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) on the incidence of new-onset type 2 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is unclear. It is unknown whether the coincidence of DKA noted in adult patients with type 2 diabetes is an issue for youth during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective single-center medical record review was conducted in a large, urban children's hospital of pediatric subjects presenting with new-onset type 2 diabetes between March and August of 2018 to 2020.

RESULTS

The proportion of subjects presenting with new-onset type 2 diabetes in DKA dramatically increased in 2020 (9% in 2018, 3% in 2019, and 20% in 2020, P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

In 2020, youth with new-onset type 2 diabetes had a greater incidence of DKA at presentation than previously observed. Future studies should examine the impact of SARS-CoV2 exposure on the presentation of type 2 diabetes in all age-groups to inform better patient care.

COVID-19 and Diabetes Mellitus: A Complex Interplay

COVID-19 pandemic, which caused by the newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS- CoV-2), puts the entire world in an unprecedented crisis, leaving behind huge human losses and serious socio-economical damages. The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 varies from asymptomatic to multi-organ manifestations. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic inflammatory condition, which associated with metabolic and vascular abnormalities, increases the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, severity and mortality. Due to global prevalence, DM effect on COVID-19 outcomes as well as the potential mechanisms by which DM modulates the host-viral interactions and host-immune responses are discussed in this review. This review also highlights the effects of anti-diabetic drugs on treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vice versa.

Heart failure outcomes and Covid-19

Pre-existing heart failure (HF) in diagnosed patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a close to two-fold increased mortality rate compared to COVID-19 patients without prior HF history. Moreover, based both on biomarker as well as imaging findings, widespread endothelial and cardiac injury seems to be present in many patients presenting with COVID-19, associated with adverse outcomes including new onset HF. Systematic echocardiographic studies in patients with COVID-19 indicate that the most common cardiac pathology is right ventricular (RV) dilatation (39%) over and above both left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (16%) and LV systolic dysfunction (10%). In addition, myocardial injury, assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is observed in some 55% to 70% of patients recently recovered from COVID-19 even in those who didn't get very sick during the acute illness. These observations seem to indicate a potentially rather high risk of clinical HF emerging in patients post-COVID-19, warranting close long-term monitoring of patients during recovery. On the other hand, given the established adverse prognostic role that pre-existing HF plays as a comorbidity in the context of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, it not only seems important in the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that all patients with known HF should proactively be well controlled and treated according to current guidelines, but also additionally be considered for priority vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 infection if not yet vaccinated.

Optimal Control of Mathematical modeling of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic with highlighting the negative impact of quarantine on diabetics people with Cost-effectiveness

As of November 14, 2020, the number of people infected with the COVID-19 disease has reached more than 54 million people worldwide and more than 1323196 people have died, according to the World Health Organization. This requires many countries to impose a health emergency or quarantine, which has had positive results in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has also had negative economic, social and health effects. So, we suggest a mathematical model for the dynamics of how COVID-19 disease is spread, as well as a mathematical modeling for the dynamics of diabetes, then highlight the negative effect of quarantine has on the health of diabetics. Pontryagin's maximum principle is used to characterize the optimal controls, and the optimality system is solved by an iterative method. Finally, some numerical simulations are performed to verify the theoretical analysis using MATLAB.

Impact of diabetes on COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality: a retrospective study from Northern Italy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of pre-existing diabetes on in-hospital mortality in patients admitted for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS

This is a single center, retrospective study conducted at Policlinico di Monza hospital, located in the Lombardy region, Northern Italy. We reviewed medical records of 373 consecutive adult patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 between February 22 and May 15, 2020. Data were collected on diabetes status, comorbid conditions and laboratory findings. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the effect of diabetes on in-hospital mortality after adjustment for potential confounding variables.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 72 ± 14 years (range 17-98), 244 (65.4%) were male and 69 (18.5%) had diabetes. The most common comorbid conditions were hypertension (237 [64.8%]), cardiovascular disease (140 [37.7%]) and malignant neoplasms (50 [13.6%]). In-hospital death occurred in 142 (38.0%) patients. In the multivariable model older age (Relative Risk [RR] 1.06 [1.04-1. 09] per year), diabetes (RR 1.56 [1.05-2.02]), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (RR 1.82 [1.13-2.35]), higher values of lactic dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein were independently associated with in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective single-center study, diabetes was independently associated with a higher in-hospital mortality. More intensive surveillance of patients with this condition is to be warranted.

What Every Diabetologist Should Know about SARS-CoV-2: State of Knowledge at the Beginning of 2021

For almost a year, the major medical problem has been the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. People with diabetes who contract COVID-19 are likely to experience more serious symptoms than patients without diabetes. This article presents new research about the epidemiology of COVID-19 in a group of patients with diabetes. It details the mortality and prognosis in such patients, as well as the relationship between COVID-19 and the diseases most often coexisting with diabetes: obesity, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and increased risk for infection. It also details how the virus infects and affects patients with hyperglycemia. The context of glycation and receptors for advanced glycation products (RAGE) seems to be of particular importance here. We also present a hypothesis related to the cause-and-effect axis-it turns out that diabetes can be both the cause of the more difficult course of COVID-19 and the result of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The last part of this article discusses the impact of antihyperglycemic drugs on the development of COVID-19 and other pharmacological implications, including which non-classical antihyperglycemic drugs seem to be effective in both the treatment of coronavirus infection and glucose homeostasis, and what strategies related to RAGE and glycation should be considered.

An overview of COVID-19 in people with diabetes: Pathophysiology and considerations in the inpatient setting

INTRODUCTION

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has continued to have a devastating impact on health worldwide. There has been a rapid evolution of evidence, establishing an increased risk of morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes and concurrent COVID-19. The objective of this review is to explore the current evidence for inpatient assessment and management of diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight areas requiring further exploration.

METHODS

A literature search of databases was conducted to November 2020 using variations on keywords SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, SARS, MERS and diabetes. Information relating to the impact of diabetes on severity of COVID-19 infection, the impact of COVID-19 infection on diabetes management and diabetes-related complications was integrated to create a narrative review.

DISCUSSION

People with diabetes and COVID-19 are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. It is important that people with both known and previously unrecognised diabetes and COVID-19 be promptly identified and assessed during acute illness, with close monitoring for clinical deterioration or complications. People with diabetes may require titration or alteration of their glycaemic management due to the potential for worse outcomes with hyperglycaemia and COVID-19 infection. Comprehensive discharge planning is vital to optimise ongoing glycaemic management.

CONCLUSION

Further understanding of the risk of adverse outcomes and optimisation of glycaemic management for people with diabetes during COVID-19 is required to improve outcomes. Increased glucose and ketone monitoring, substitution of insulin for some oral anti-hyperglycaemic medications and careful monitoring for complications of diabetes such as diabetic ketoacidosis should be considered.

Digital Health Services among Patients with Diabetes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

COVID-19 pandemic causes massive disruption of the global health system. The diabetic patients are the vulnerable parts population who are predicted to have a significant issue during the pandemic regarding the conventional type of consultation by face-to-face which may result in the higher risk of COVID-19 exposure. This study aims to observe the use of digital health services for diabetes management during COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar during August until September 2020. The keywords that are used on the searching process are diabetes AND digital service OR telemedicine OR technology AND COVID-19. The criteria included the selection of scientific publication as an original research and reviews.

RESULTS

All published articles were gathered from 3 search engines; PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The discussion explicates the practical considerations that are in accordance with the current condition of each country. In order to do so, the evidence is classified based on the level of global digital health framework in the developed and developing countries. It was found that the minimal level of digital health that connects diabetes patients with healthcare providers was at level 2, which is by using the video mode. The most advanced is at level 3B, which is applied by using the CGM devices, which provide active monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment based on timely clinical judgment.

CONCLUSION

It is feasible to utilize the digital health service during the COVID-19. This review is projected to be beneficial for the patient and health care providers to select the most feasible approach of digital health that merits the contextual resource.

Are diabetes and its medications risk factors for the development of COVID-19? Data from a population-based study in Sicily

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with higher incidence of severe cases of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients, but it is unknown whether DM is a risk factor for the overall COVID-19 incidence. The aim of present study was to investigate whether there is an association of DM with COVID-19 prevalence and case fatality, and between different DM medications and risk for COVID-19 infection and death.

METHODS AND RESULTS

retrospective observational study on all SARS-CoV-2 positive (SARS-CoV-2⁺) cases and deaths in Sicily up to 2020, May 14th. No difference in COVID-19 prevalence was found between people with and without DM (RR 0.92 [0.79-1.09]). Case fatality was significantly higher in SARS-CoV-2⁺ with DM (RR 4.5 [3.55-5.71]). No diabetes medication was associated with differences in risk for SARS-Cov2 infection.

CONCLUSIONS

in Sicily, DM was not a risk factor for COVID-19 infection, whereas it was associated with a higher case fatality.

COVID-19 associated with diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases led to a global health crisis

COVID-19 has gravely threatened high-risk populations, such as people with diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases, leading to disproportionate hospitalizations and deaths worldwide. It is well documented from previous outbreaks that diabetes increases the risk for poor outcomes due to SARS infection. In the present review, we bring evidence that the country and global level health crisis caused by COVID-19 could have been avoided or extremely minimized if measures to protect high-risk populations were implemented timely. In addition to general lockdowns, testing, tracing, isolation and hygiene measures, other specific interventions for diabetes and comorbidities management were shown crucial to allow the continuation of care services during the pandemic. These interventions included: teleconsultation, digital remote education andmonitoring, e-prescriptions, medicine delivery options, mobile clinics, and home point-of-care tests. In conclusion, we recommend prompt actions to protect the most vulnerable groups, valuing knowledge and experiences from previous outbreaks and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to shield communities, health systems and the global economy.

People living with type 1 diabetes point of view in COVID-19 times (COVIDT1 study): Disease impact, health system pitfalls and lessons for the future

AIMS

To analyse the effects of confinement among people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their caregivers over the course of the COVID-19 crisis and to evaluate contemporary changes in medical assistance and patient preferences.

METHODS

An observational cross-sectional study designed as a self-reported web-based survey was conducted over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

A total of 769 subjects participated in the survey (603 people with T1D and 166 caregivers). Changes in glycaemic control were reported in 66% of cases, weight gain in 40.4% of cases and decreased exercise levels in 65.4% of cases. Of the cohort, 53% maintained contact with the healthcare team, and 23% received specific information related to COVID-19. Emotional support was requested by 17% of respondents. Regarding telemedicine, 97.9% agreed with its use with the following preferences regarding the future: telephone call (84.5%), video-call (60.6%) and platform devices (39.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, at least two-thirds of people with T1D underwent changes in the management of their condition. Almost all participants agreed with the concept of telemedicine, favouring telephone and video calls as their preferred means of communication.

A multi-age mathematical modeling of the dynamics of population diabetics with effect of lifestyle using optimal control

Diabetes is a disease which caused by socio-environmental and / or genetic factors. The negative effect of socio-environmental or lifestyle leads a susceptible individual to become a diabetic. On the one hand, social interaction wields a great deal of influence over lifestyle. On the other hand, genetic factors are the main cause of the birth diabetes genetic disorder. Considering these above mentioned factors. In the present paper, we study a discrete age continuous mathematical model that describes the dynamics of diabetics. We highlight the negative impact of socio-environmental on diabetic patients according to age groups. We also suggest an optimal strategy to implement the best campaigns of rising awareness that aims at protecting diabetic patients from the negative impact of a lifestyle that leads them to complications. In addition to psychological treatment and follow-up of diabetic patients with complications, an awareness campaign will also be carried out for people with potential diabetes that aims at educating them about the dangerous of diabetes and its complications. Pontryagin's maximum principle is used to characterize the optimal controls and the optimality system is solved by an iterative method. The numerical simulation is carried out using MATLAB.

Hypothesized mechanisms explaining poor prognosis in type 2 diabetes patients with COVID-19: a review

PURPOSE

Epidemiological data suggest that comorbid patients, mostly those with type 2 diabetes (T2D), are predisposed to poor prognosis in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leading to serious healthcare concerns. The aim of the present manuscript is to review the main relevant mechanisms possibly contributing to worsen the clinical course of COVID-19 in T2D.

RESULTS

Poor glucose control, high glycaemic variability and diabetes-related comorbidities at baseline, particularly cardiovascular diseases and obesity, contribute in worsening the prognosis in the above-mentioned cluster of patients. Moreover, both a lower efficient innate immune system response and cytokine dysregulation predispose patients with T2D to impaired viral clearance and more serious pulmonary and systemic inflammation once the SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred. Inconclusive data are currently available for specifically indicate or contraindicate concurrent medications for managing T2D and its comorbidities in infected patients.

CONCLUSIONS

T2D individuals should be considered as more vulnerable to COVID-19 than general population, and thus require adequate advices about hygienic tips to protect themselves during the pandemic. A careful management of glucose levels and diabetes-related comorbidities remains essential for avoiding further complications, and patient monitoring during the pandemic should be performed also at distance by means of telemedicine. Further studies are needed to clarify whether medications normally used for managing T2D and its associated comorbidities could have a protective or detrimental effect on COVID-19 clinical course.

Decentralized COVID-19 measures in Brazil were ineffective to protect people with diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

COVID-19 severity and mortality are elevated in individuals with diabetes. During the pandemic, interventions recommended globally for people with diabetes were to keep blood glucose on target whilst staying at home to curb the spread of the virus. In Brazil, similar measures were proposed. The aim of our observational study was to assess whether these measures achieved their objectives.

METHODS

An anonymous and untraceable survey was shared from April 22nd to May 4th. States with more than 30 respondents were included in the analysis and Fisher's exact test was performed to identify associations, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

Type 1 diabetes and female participants were prevalent, 60.76% and 76.12% respectively. 10 out of 26 states were included, in addition to the Federal District (1562 responses). Only in three states (Bahia, Goiás and Pernambuco) less than 50% of the respondents experienced higher glycemia or higher variability during the pandemic. Goiás state, where almost half of the respondents (49.12%) have private insurance, presented the highest percentage of individuals receiving medicines for three months (35.48%) and one of the lowest percentages of blood glucose deterioration (47.17%). In the large states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, consultations and/or lab exams were postponed by 37.14%, 34.33% and 40.88%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The decentralized measures implemented by states in Brazil left most people with diabetes unprotected. Many were forced to venture outside to collect or to purchase their medical supplies monthly and reported increased glycemic levels and/or variability.

Clinical characteristics and short term outcomes after recovery from COVID-19 in patients with and without diabetes in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study investigated the clinical manifestations, outcomes and long-term complications of COVID-19 inpatients in southern part of Bangladesh while emphasizing on individuals having diabetes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted for a sample of COVID-19 inpatients across four different hospitals of Bangladesh between April 1and June 30, 2020. Variation in clinical characteristics, contact history, comorbidities, treatment patterns, and immediate post COVID complications were investigated.

RESULTS

There were 734 COVID-19 presentations in this study of which 19.8% of patients had diabetes and 76% of the COVID-19 patients were male. Among biochemical parameters, plasma glucose, D-dimer, and Troponin-I levels were significantly elevated amidst the cohort with diabetes. The frequency of patients requiring insulin increased threefold during infection with SARS CoV-2. 1.4% patients developed new onset of diabetes mellitus. A number of COVID-19 patients with diabetes have been suffering from complications post-recovery including pain, discomfort, and sleep disturbance.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with diabetes have experienced a severe manifestation of COVID-19 and post disease complications. Further in-depth studies focused on larger sample sizes are entailed to assess the relationships elaborately.

A, Birangal SR, Nikam AN, Pandey A, Mutalik S, Joseph A. Role of comorbidities like diabetes on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2: A review

Pandemic coronavirus disease-2019, commonly known as COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious disease with a high mortality rate. Various comorbidities and their associated symptoms accompany SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among the various comorbidities like hypertension, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes considered as one of the critical comorbidity, which could affect the survival of infected patients. The severity of COVID-19 disease intensifies in patients with elevated glucose level probably via amplified pro-inflammatory cytokine response, poor innate immunity and downregulated angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Thus, the use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers could worsen the glucose level in patients suffering from novel coronavirus infection. It also observed that the direct β-cell damage caused by virus, hypokalemia and cytokine and fetuin-A mediated increase in insulin resistance could also deteriorate the diabetic condition in COVID-19 patients. This review highlights the current scenario of coronavirus disease in pre-existing diabetic patients, epidemiology, molecular perception, investigations, treatment and management of COVID-19 disease in patients with pre-existing diabetes. Along with this, we have also discussed unexplored therapies and future perspectives for coronavirus infection.

Lifestyle Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and National Diabetes Care Systems in European Countries

Background. Diabetes is increasing by 3.09% per year in males and 1.92% in females. Lifestyle risk factors are related to diabetes. The aim of this work is to highlight within EU-28 countries the distribution percentages of some lifestyle risk factors and some components of diabetes health care. Methods. A literature search was conducted to highlight the presence of diabetes registries, which are fundamental tools for disease surveillance and health planning; the presence of a national diabetes plan (NDP); the care setting; and methods used for reimbursement of drugs, devices, and coverage of any comorbidities associated with diabetes. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was carried out to evaluate the possible associations between the variables considered. Results. The highest percentages of diabetes (>10%) are registered in Bulgaria, Malta, and Hungary. Concerning the prevalence of overweight, no European country shows overall percentages of less than 50%. Regarding obesity, 57% of countries show prevalence rates of 25%. The record for physical inactivity belongs to Malta, with 45% of individuals being inactive. The percentage of physical inactivity for females is higher than for males across Europe. In total, 57% of the countries have an insurance-based health system, while 12 countries have public national health systems. Further, 57% of countries have an NDP, while 42% of the EU countries have established a prevalence register for diabetes. Conclusions. Prevalence rates for type 2 DM in the range of 8–9% are noted in 50% of EU-28 countries. In total, 21 out of EU countries show a high prevalence rate for overweight, while 7% of EU-28 countries have an obesity prevalence rate of 25%. Diabetes treatment is entrusted to general practitioners in most countries. The results of this work highlight the differences between countries, but also between genders.

Prevalence, clinical manifestations, and biochemical data of type 2 diabetes mellitus versus nondiabetic symptomatic patients with COVID-19: A comparative study

BACKGROUND

There is a scarcity of data regarding the effect of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated comorbidities on the clinical presentation and outcome of symptomatic patients with -COVID-19 infection in comparison with non-diabetic patients.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We described and compared the clinical presentation and radiological and hematological data of a cohort of symptomatic COVID19 positive T2DM diabetic patients (n = 59) versus another cohort of non-diabetic symptomatic COVID19 positive patients (n =244) diagnosed at the same time from January 2020 to May 2020. Associated comorbidities were -assessed, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index was calculated. The outcomes including duration of hospitalization, duration of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and duration of O2 -supplementation were assessed.

RESULTS

Prevalence of T2DM in symptomatic COVID19 positive patients was 59/303 (=19.5%).  Diabetic patients had higher prevalence of hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiac dysfunction [coronary heart disease (CHD)], and congestive heart failure (CHF). Charlson Comorbidity score was significantly higher in the T2DM patients (2.4± 1.6) versus the non-diabetic -patients (0.28 ± 0.8; p: < 0.001). Clinically and radiologically, T2DM patients had significantly higher percentage of pneumonia, severe pneumonia and ARDS versus the non-diabetic patients. Hematologically, diabetic patients had significantly higher C-reactive protein (CRP), higher absolute neutrophilic count (ANC) and lower counts of lymphocytes and eosinophils compared to non-diabetic patients. They had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, longer duration of hospitalization, ICU stay, mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy. CRP was correlated significantly with the duration of stay in the ICU and the duration for oxygen supplementation (r = 0.37 and 0.42 respectively; p: <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

T2DM patients showed higher inflammatory response to COVID 19 with higher absolute neutrophilic count (ANC) and CRP with lower lymphocytic and eosinophilic counts. Diabetic patients had more comorbidities and more aggressive course of the disease with higher rate of ICU admission and longer need for hospitalization and oxygen use.

Prognostic factors in patients with diabetes hospitalized for COVID-19: Findings from the CORONADO study and other recent reports

Diabetes mellitus is challenging in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of diabetes patients hospitalized in intensive care units for COVID-19 is two- to threefold higher, and the mortality rate at least double, than that of non-diabetes patients. As the population with diabetes is highly heterogeneous, it is of major interest to determine the risk factors of progression to a more serious life-threatening COVID-19 infection. This brief review discusses the main findings of CORONADO, a prospective observational study in France that specifically addressed this issue as well as related observations from other countries, mainly China and the US. Some prognostic factors beyond old age have been identified: for example, an increased body mass index is a major risk factor for requiring respiratory assistance. Indeed, obesity combines several risk factors, including impaired respiratory mechanics, the presence of other comorbidities and inappropriate inflammatory responses, partly due to ectopic fat deposits. While previous diabetic microvascular (renal) and macrovascular complications also increase risk of death, the quality of past glucose control had no independent influence on hospitalized diabetes patient outcomes, but whether the quality of glucose control might modulate risk of COVID-19 in non-hospitalized diabetes patients is still unknown. In addition, no negative signs regarding the use of RAAS blockers and DPP-4 inhibitors and outcomes of COVID-19 could be identified. Hyperglycaemia at the time of hospital admission is associated with poor outcomes, but it may simply be considered a marker of severity of the infection. Thus, the impact of glucose control during hospitalization on outcomes related to COVID-19, which was not investigated in the CORONADO study, is certainly deserving of specific investigation.

Challenges of diabetes care management in developing countries with a high incidence of COVID-19: A brief report

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most critical risk factors for complications and death in COVID-19 patients. The present study aims to highlight challenges in the management of diabetic patients during the COVID-19 outbreak in developing countries.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature to obtain information about diabetic care during the Covid-19 crisis. We also seek opinions of clinicians working in undeveloped countries.

RESULTS

Current challenges faced by clinicians in the management of diabetic patients in developing countries are as follows: lack of preventive measures, inadequate number of visits, loss of the traditional method of communication with the patient, shortage of medications, impaired routine diabetic care, and absence of telehealth services.

CONCLUSIONS

Developing countries are faced with many challenges in diabetes management due to a lack of resources.

Diabetes and COVID-19 risk: an miRNA perspective

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and diabetes outcomes (CORONADO) trial revealed that 10.6% of patients with diabetes mellitus hospitalized for COVID-19 (COVID-19) die within 7 days. Several studies from New York, Italy, and China confirm that patients with diabetes are at a much higher risk for mortality due to COVID-19. Besides respiratory illness, COVID-19 increases cardiac injury and diabetic ketoacidosis. In the absence of specific guidelines for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 for patients with diabetes, they remain at higher risk and are more susceptible to COVID-19. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of basic knowledge on how diabetes affects pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In patients with diabetes, impaired glucose use alters metabolic and consequently biological processes instigating pathological remodeling, which has detrimental effects on cardiovascular systems. A majority of biological processes are regulated by noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs), which have emerged as a promising therapeutic candidate for several diseases. In consideration of the higher risk of mortality in patients with diabetes and COVID-19, novel diagnostic test and treatment strategy are urgently warranted in post-COVID-19 era. Here, we describe potential roles of miRNA as a biomarker and therapeutic candidate, especially for heart failure, in patients with diabetes and COVID-19.

The impact of COVID-19 on people with diabetes in Brazil

The present study aims at identifying main barriers faced by people living with diabetes in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

In a convenience sampling study, data were collected from 1701 individuals, aged 18 or above; 75.54% female participants; 60.73% T1D and 30.75% T2D, between April 22nd and May 4th, using an anonymous and untraceable survey containing 20 multiple choice questions (socio-demographic; health status and habits of life during COVID-19 pandemic). Relationship between variables was established using the multiple correspondence analysis technique.

RESULTS

95.1% of respondents reduced their frequency of going outside of their homes; among those who monitored blood glucose at home during the pandemic (91.5%), the majority (59.4%) experienced an increase, a decrease or a higher variability in glucose levels; 38.4% postponed their medical appointments and/or routine examinations; and 59.5% reduced their physical activity. T1D, the youngest group, was more susceptible to presenting COVID-19 symptoms despite not being testing; whilst the T2D group had higher frequency of comorbidities that are additional risk factors for COVID-19 severity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a first hand revelation of the severity of COVID-19 on individuals with diabetes in Brazil. Their habits were altered, which impacted their glycemia, potentially increasing the risk of poor outcomes and mortality if infected by SARS-CoV-2, and of acute and chronic diabetes complications.

Diabetes and COVID-19: Global and regional perspectives

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been designated as a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) since December 2019, when an outbreak of pneumonia cases emerged in Wuhan, China. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global health crisis, devastating the social, economic and political aspects of life. Many clinicians, health professionals, scientists, organizations, and governments have actively defeated COVID-19 and shared their experiences of the SARS-CoV2. Diabetes is one of the major risk factors for fatal outcomes from COVID-19. Patients with diabetes are vulnerable to infection because of hyperglycemia; impaired immune function; vascular complications; and comorbidities such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 in the human body. Hence, the use of angiotensin-directed medications in patients with diabetes requires attention. The severity and mortality from COVID-19 was significantly higher in patients with diabetes than in those without. Thus, the patients with diabetes should take precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we review the current knowledge of COVID-19 including the global and regional epidemiology, virology, impact of diabetes on COVID-19, treatment of COVID-19, and standard of care in the management of diabetes during this critical period.

COVID-19 impact on people with diabetes in South and Central America (SACA region)

AIMS

The present observational study aims to describe political actions in place to combat COVID-19 in the South and Central America region (SACA) while protecting individuals with diabetes.

METHODS

A survey with 12 questions was shared with all IDF-SACA member organizations, in 18 countries. A descriptive analysis was performed and a multivariate cluster analysis technique pam (partitioning around medoids) was applied.

RESULTS

Two groups of countries were identified. The first group, mostly countries with stricter measures to contain the spread of the virus, reported more difficulties (limitations in accessing basic or health needs) and fears (concerns regarding the impact of the pandemic); whereas most of the second group consisted of countries with less restrictive measures, and reported fewer difficulties. Only 37% responded that a policy was put into place to protect individuals with diabetes, either delivering their medicines and supplies at home (16%) or providing them at once enough for 2-3 months (21%). All respondents reported that one of the main fear was to "be infected and not to receive adequate treatment" and/or "getting infected if going to the hospital or medical appointments".

CONCLUSION

Most of the SACA countries failed to implement timely measures to protect individuals with diabetes, which may severely impact individuals, health systems and economies.

Issues for the management of people with diabetes and COVID-19 in ICU

In the pandemic “Corona Virus Disease 2019” (COVID-19) people with diabetes have a high risk to require ICU admission. The management of diabetes in Intensive Care Unit is always challenging, however, when diabetes is present in COVID-19 the situation seems even more complicated. An optimal glycemic control, avoiding acute hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and glycemic variability may significantly improve the outcome. In this case, intravenous insulin infusion with continuous glucose monitoring should be the choice. No evidence suggests stopping angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-renin-blockers or statins, even it has been suggested that they may increase the expression of Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor, which is used by “Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to penetrate into the cells. A real issue is the usefulness of several biomarkers, which have been suggested to be measured during the COVID-19. N-Terminal-pro-Brain Natriuretic-Peptide, D-dimer and hs-Troponin are often increased in diabetes. Their meaning in the case of diabetes and COVID-19 should be therefore very carefully evaluated. Even though we understand that in such a critical situation some of these requests are not so easy to implement, we believe that the best possible action to prevent a worse outcome is essential in any medical act.

COVID-19 severity is predicted by earlier evidence of accelerated aging

With no known treatments or vaccine, COVID-19 presents a major threat, particularly to older adults, who account for the majority of severe illness and deaths. The age-related susceptibility is partly explained by increased comorbidities including dementia and type II diabetes [1]. While it is unclear why these diseases predispose risk, we hypothesize that increased biological age, rather than chronological age, may be driving disease-related trends in COVID-19 severity with age. To test this hypothesis, we applied our previously validated biological age measure (PhenoAge) [2] composed of chronological age and nine clinical chemistry biomarkers to data of 347,751 participants from a large community cohort in the United Kingdom (UK Biobank), recruited between 2006 and 2010. Other data included disease diagnoses (to 2017), mortality data (to 2020), and the UK national COVID-19 test results (to May 31, 2020) [3]. Accelerated aging 10-14 years prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with test positivity (OR=1.15 per 5-year acceleration, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.21, p=3.2×10-6) and all-cause mortality with test-confirmed COVID-19 (OR=1.25, per 5-year acceleration, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.44, p=0.002) after adjustment for demographics including current chronological age and pre-existing diseases or conditions. The corresponding areas under the curves were 0.669 and 0.803, respectively. Biological aging, as captured by PhenoAge, is a better predictor of COVID-19 severity than chronological age, and may inform risk stratification initiatives, while also elucidating possible underlying mechanisms, particularly those related to inflammaging.

The Australian response to the COVID-19 pandemic and diabetes - Lessons learned

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy and health system of most countries in the world and this is also true of Australia. Australia has not seen the huge surge of COVID-19 positive cases and subsequent hospitalisations and deaths experienced in other parts of the world. However there have been important social and health strategies to "flatten" the curve, to reduce infections and to manage those infected. These have included closure of international and interstate borders, local lockdown measures, physical distancing, shift to work from home, closure of non-essential businesses and full or partial closure of all schools and tertiary education facilities. From the diabetes care perspective, there was a significant and concerted diversion of hospital resources and staff to COVID-19 specific activities. Reduced access to primary care, diagnostic and hospital services for diabetes, combined with fear of exposure to the virus in these settings, led to a significant drop in access to usual diabetes care. Provision of outpatient and private sector diabetes services via telehealth was encouraged and supported by expanded and new government subsidies. Importantly, for the first time, there was government funded subsidy for care delivered via the telephone and inclusion of credentialled diabetes educators in funded telephone/telehealth support. The Australian health professional and consumer organisations worked cooperatively producing guidelines, position statements and other educational resources specific for the COVID-19 setting. Once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, review of all the changes will be important, determining which should be permanently implemented. The learnings from COVID-19 should help prepare Australia for future pandemics or other major health crises.

COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus: implications for prognosis and clinical management

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that emerged from Wuhan, China in December 2019, and within 3 months became a global pandemic.

AREAS COVERED

PubMed search of published data on COVID-19, respiratory infections, and diabetes mellitus (DM). DM associates with impairments of both cellular and humoral immunity. Early emergent global data reveal that severity of clinical outcome from COVID-19 infection (including hospitalization and admission to Intensive Care Unit [ICU]), associate with co-morbidities, prominently DM. The key principles of management of COVID-19 in patients with DM include ongoing focused outpatient management (remotely where necessary) and maintenance of good glycemic control.

EXPERT OPINION

We will remember the dawn of the third decade of the twenty-first century as a time when the world changed, the true scale and impact of which is hard for us to imagine. Like a phoenix from the ashes though, COVID-19 provides us with a great learning opportunity to renew insights into ourselves as individuals, our clinical teams, and the optimized provision of care for our patients. COVID-19 has re-shaped and re-focused our collective societal values, with a sea-changed shift from materialistic to human-centric, from self-centredness to altruism, ultimately for the betterment of patient care and the whole of society.

Two hits to the renin-angiotensin system may play a key role in severe COVID-19

The spike glycoprotein on the virion surface docking onto the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 dimer is an essential step in the process of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in human cells-involves downregulation of ACE2 expression with systemic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) imbalance and promotion of multi-organ damage. In general, the RAS induces vasoconstriction, hypertension, inflammation, fibrosis, and proliferation via the ACE/Ang II/Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) axis and induces the opposite effects via the ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas axis. The RAS may be activated by chronic inflammation in hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. SARS-CoV-2 induces the ACE2 internalization and shedding, leading to the inactivation of the ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas axis. Therefore, we hypothesize that two hits to the RAS drives COVID-19 progression. In brief, the first hit originates from chronic inflammation activating the ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis, and the second originates from the COVID-19 infection inactivating the ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas axis. Moreover, the two hits to the RAS may be the primary reason for increased mortality in patients with COVID-19 who have comorbidities and may serve as a therapeutic target for COVID-19 treatment.