He recently said 16 per cent of critically ill Covid-19 patients had diabetes, while diabetes and hypertension combined accounted for 47 percent of those who have died from pre-existing conditions. Diabetic patients are twice more likely to require intensive care than Covid-19 patients without it, he said. According to a study in the Lancet, the reason for worse prognosis in people with diabetes is multifaceted. According to the study (Titled ‘Covid-19 in people with diabetes: Understanding the reasons for worse outcomes’), when people with diabetes develop a viral infection, it can be harder to treat due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels and the presence of diabetes complications. Patients with poorly controlled blood glucose levels are therefore more likely to experience complications or in-hospital death due to Covid-19.

Source: The Star August 23, 2020 12:56 UTC