Abstract:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant
public health emergency globally. Although the clinical manifestation of
COVID-19 is heterogeneous with flu-like symptoms to acute pneumonia and
multiple organ failure, its risk, severity and mortality have been associated with
diabetes and other non-communicable chronic diseases. Accumulated evidence
from emerging epidemiological data has shown enormous global public health
concern with hypothetical association existing between COVID-19 and diabetes.
Possible mechanisms recently explored as underlying association between
COVID-19 and diabetes are hyperglycemia, chronic inflammation, impairment
of immune response, increased and prolonged coagulation activity and rapid
pancreatic damage by SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, the discontinuation of
angiotensin receptor blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
(ACEI) in individuals with diabetes due to COVID-19 has not been scientifically
concluded. The burden associated with COVID-19 and diabetes comorbidity
may exacerbate this pandemic, especially in developing countries. However,
early diagnosis, comprehension and management of these comorbidities may
contribute to better outcomes, hence mitigating severe clinical complications and
mortalities.
