Post-COVID syndrome, inflammation, and diabetes

J Diabetes Complications. 2022 Nov;36(11):108336. doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2022.108336. Epub 2022 Oct 6.

Abstract

The raging COVID-19 pandemic is in its third year of global impact. The SARS CoV 2 virus has a high rate of spread, protean manifestations, and a high morbidity and mortality in individuals with predisposing risk factors. The pathophysiologic mechanisms involve a heightened systemic inflammatory state, cardiometabolic derangements, and varying degrees of glucose intolerance. The latter can be evident as significant hyperglycemia leading to new-onset diabetes or worsening of preexisting disease. Unfortunately, the clinical course beyond the acute phase of the illness may persist in the form of a variety of symptoms that together form the so-called "Long COVID" or "Post-COVID Syndrome". It is thought that a chronic, low-grade inflammatory and immunologic state persists during this phase, which may last for weeks or months. Although numerous insights have been gained into COVID-related hyperglycemia and diabetes, its prediction, course, and management remain to be fully elucidated.

Keywords: COVID-19; Long COVID; New-onset diabetes; Newly diagnosed diabetes; Post-COVID syndrome; SARS CoV-2; Syndemia; Type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus* / epidemiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia* / complications
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Pandemics
  • RNA, Viral
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • RNA, Viral