Does COVID-19 Infection Increase the Risk of Diabetes? Current Evidence

Curr Diab Rep. 2023 Aug;23(8):207-216. doi: 10.1007/s11892-023-01515-1. Epub 2023 Jun 7.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Multiple studies report an increased incidence of diabetes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given the potential increased global burden of diabetes, understanding the effect of SARS-CoV-2 in the epidemiology of diabetes is important. Our aim was to review the evidence pertaining to the risk of incident diabetes after COVID-19 infection.

Recent findings: Incident diabetes risk increased by approximately 60% compared to patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection. Risk also increased compared to non-COVID-19 respiratory infections, suggesting SARS-CoV-2-mediated mechanisms rather than general morbidity after respiratory illness. Evidence is mixed regarding the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and T1D. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an elevated risk of T2D, but it is unclear whether the incident diabetes is persistent over time or differs in severity over time. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of incident diabetes. Future studies should evaluate vaccination, viral variant, and patient- and treatment-related factors that influence risk.

Keywords: COVID-19; Incident diabetes; SARS-CoV-2; Type 1 diabetes; Type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Diabetes Mellitus* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • SARS-CoV-2