Unraveling the Nexus: Post-COVID Hyperglycaemia and Diabetes-A Comprehensive Review of the Intricate Interplay and Implications for Glycemic Control

The global impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARSCOV2) is profound, with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) presenting a clinical spectrum that leads to multi-systemic failure, particularly affecting the pancreas and resulting in diabetes and cardiovascular co-morbidities. Diabetes, the more life-threatening manifestation of COVID-19, is associated with a 30% higher fatality rate. This review aims to explore the intricate relationship between Hyperglycaemia and hyper inflammation in individuals with post-COVID diabetes, emphasizing the risks of recurring hyperglycaemia and distinguishing it from conventional diabetes. Methodologically, data synthesis and extraction were conducted based on diabetes mellitus and recent studies on the impact of coronavirus, especially SARS, on the pancreas, utilizing articles from the Pubmed search engine. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients show a higher likelihood of concurrent conditions, including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Factors contributing to post-COVID diabetes include age, co-morbidities, pre-diabetic status, pre-existing micro-angiopathic disease burden, stress and direct links to elevated blood levels induced by cytokine storms or hyperinflammation from the diabetogenic virus. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential disruptions in glucose production and metabolism following COVID-19 infection. The recommendation is for individuals who have experienced COVID-19 to undergo rigorous glycemic screening approximately a month post-infection. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring and addressing alterations in glucose homeostasis as part of post-COVID-19 care. Further research and clinical observation are essential to enhance our understanding of the intricate relationship between COVID-19 and glycemic control. The key message emphasizes the comprehensive review of the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the heightened risk of diabetes, advocating for vigilant post-infection glycemic screening and revealing potential disruptions in glucose metabolism.