New Tool Help Treat COVID-19 Patients with Diabetes

Nov, 2020 - By SMI

The newly developed algorithm help manage the blood sugar levels in individuals who have diabetes and COVID-19.

The novel coronavirus is placing significant stress on individuals of all ages worldwide. Older adults are facing the greatest threats and challenges amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes) seem to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the infection. To date, the vast majority of infected people (about 98%) have survived. People with diabetes are more likely to contract the virus, as well as they might face worse outcomes. Complications in individuals with diabetes include pneumonia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and raised blood glucose levels.

Moreover, there is also an increased risk of more serious consequences. According to previous research (in England), one-third of COVID-19 deaths in hospitals were individuals with diabetes. However, it is not clear why individuals with diabetes are at increased risk, it appears that high blood sugar levels may be triggered. For example, the new research found that it has a connection with inflammation, a process responsible for some of the worst COVID-19 outcomes. Now, the research team from the University of Michigan has developed a new tool that could help treat COVID-19 patients with diabetes.

The research was published in the Diabetes journal.  The newly developed algorithm help manage the blood sugar levels in individuals who have diabetes and COVID-19. According to the researchers, the new device may help reduce the risk of serious complications in these patients, including severe respiratory distress and kidney failure. The device provides detailed treatment guidance for individuals with known diabetes and without a prior diabetes diagnosis. It recommends an insulin infusion for critically ill patients to lower blood sugar before transitioning to subcutaneous insulin. Moreover, the tool can help improve consequences in patients with both diabetes and COVID-19.