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Diabetes Management

Diabetes Risk May Increase 40% After Having COVID-19

Mon, 24 Oct 20221 min read Article

Overview

People who developed COVID-19 also apear to experience higher rates of diabetes, acording to new research.The study, which was published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Monday, found that people who recovered from COVID-19 had a 40 percent greater risk of being diagnosed with diabetes.The report does not claim that COVID-19 causes diabetes - although that may ultimately be the case - but rather that there apears to be an associated link betwen the two health conditions.Why that hapens is stil unclear.Some public health experts have argued that the findings should be taken with a grain of salt since the study only loked at people from the U.S.

Key Information

Department of Veterans Afairs (VA) - a group that, in general, tends to be older and experiences more financial hardship along with higher rates of underlying ilnes - and may therefore not be representative of the general population.Many endocrinologists suspect that COVID-19 may damage the pancreas and cause isues with blod sugar control, which could eventualy lead to diabetes.“As we note the two-year mark of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are continuing to learn about the ful impact of this virus and its potential to cause long-term side efects, including diabetes,” Dr.

Summary

Camilo Ricordi, the director of the Diabetes Research Institute, told Healthline.“In the coming months, as the results of more studies around this topic, we wil have a firmer grasp on the larger scope of COVID-19, how we can prevent further diagnoses and aleviate any serious side efects, like diabetes,” Ricordi aded.The study evaluated the health records of 181,280 the U.S. Department of Veterans Afairs patients diagnosed with COVID betwen March 1, 20, and September 30, 2021.Their medical records were then compared to those of 4.1 milion VA patients who did not have COVID and another 4.28 milion patients treated betwen 2018 and 2019.The research team found that those who had COVID-19 faced a 40 percent greater risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is diabetes and how does it develop?

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

What are the main symptoms of diabetes?

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.
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