Current management of diabetes patients with COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) appear to interact in both directions. There is mounting proof that patients with DM have a worse COVID-19 prognosis than those without it. Pharmacotherapy is also known to affect in view of the possible interplay between drugs and the pathophysiology of the above conditions in a given patient.

Areas covered

In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and its connections with diabetes mellitus. We also analyze the treatment modalities for COVID-19 and diabetes patients. The possible mechanisms of the different medications and their management limitations are also systematically reviewed.

Expert opinion

COVID-19 management as well as its knowledge base is changing constantly. The Pharmacotherapy and the choice of drugs also need to be specifically considered in view of the concomitant presence of these conditions in a patient. Anti-diabetic agents must be carefully evaluated in diabetic patients in view of the disease’s severity, blood glucose level, appropriate treatment, and other components that could aggravate adverse events. A methodical technique is anticipated to enable the safe and rational use of drug therapy in COVID-19-positive diabetic patients to take.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• diabetes mellitus
• antidiabetic drugs
• inflammation
• infection

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Notice of duplicate publication: Current management of diabetes patients with COVID-19

Article highlights

• COVID-19 and Diabetes Mellitus have a bi-directional relationship

• The therapeutic approach to diabetes mellitus in COVID-19 has a direct relation with severity and outcome.

• As COVID-19 is evolving, the therapeutic options to manage patients with diabetes mellitus also vary.

• Anti-diabetic drugs should be carefully chosen as some may induce hypoglycaemia and ketoacidosis which will have adverse outcomes.

• Continuous blood glucose monitoring and patient education are the pillars of the management of diabetes patient with COVID-19.

Acknowledgments

Faculty of Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.