MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
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PRIORITY RISK FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIABETES
MELLITUS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A CLINICAL
ASSESSMENT
Nodir Ruzimurodov
Tamara Aripova
Institute of Immunology and Human Genomics, Academy of Sciences of the
Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13831889
Keywords:
COVID-19, Diabetes Mellitus, Post-COVID Period, Risk Factors,
Metabolic Control, Diabetic Complications
Introduction.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on
global health, contributing to a surge in the incidence of non-communicable
diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus (DM). SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible
for COVID-19, has been implicated in damaging pancreatic beta cells, which may
lead to impaired insulin production and the onset of type 2 diabetes, especially
in individuals recovering from severe COVID-19. A growing number of post-
COVID-19 cases have shown newly diagnosed diabetes, raising concerns about
the virus's role in the development of metabolic disorders.
The pandemic has also strained healthcare systems, disrupting routine
care for patients with pre-existing diabetes, leading to disease progression and
decompensation. Diabetic patients who contracted COVID-19 often experienced
more severe disease symptoms, more frequent episodes of hyperglycemia, and
complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. Unvaccinated individuals demonstrated
a higher likelihood of experiencing severe symptoms and prolonged metabolic
instability in the post-COVID-19 period compared to their vaccinated
counterparts.
Vaccination against COVID-19 has shown benefits not only in reducing the
severity of the viral infection but also in stabilizing glycemic control and
lowering the risk of diabetes-related complications. This research aims to
identify key risk factors contributing to diabetes onset during the pandemic,
with an emphasis on the role of COVID-19 infection and the protective effects of
vaccination in mitigating metabolic disruptions.
Objective.
The main objective of this study is to identify and evaluate the
key risk factors leading to the development and progression of diabetes mellitus
during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on the impact of SARS-
CoV-2 infection and the potential protective role of vaccination in mitigating
disease severity and metabolic dysregulation.
MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE
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Materials and Methods.
This clinical study was conducted from 2022 to
2023 at the Khatyrchinsky Medical District Association's endocrinology
department. The study included 242 patients selected using a prospective
cohort design. The cohort consisted of 138 men and 104 women, with an
average age of 64.3±2.7 years. Patients were classified into three groups based
on vaccination status and the timing of diabetes onset: Group 1: 102
unvaccinated patients who developed type 2 diabetes after contracting COVID-
19. Group 2: 53 vaccinated patients who developed type 2 diabetes after
recovering from COVID-19. Group 3: 87 patients with pre-existing type 2
diabetes before contracting COVID-19.
Comprehensive clinical evaluations were conducted for all patients, which
included detailed medical histories, monitoring of blood pressure, BMI, and
laboratory tests (complete blood counts, biochemical tests, and coagulograms).
Instrumental diagnostics, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and electrocardiograms
(ECG), were performed to assess cardiovascular and renal function. Glycemic
control was evaluated through fasting blood glucose levels, HbA1c, and insulin
sensitivity. Additionally, complications like diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy,
and ketoacidosis episodes were monitored. The study aimed to assess the
relationship between COVID-19 infection, vaccination status, and diabetes
progression.
Results.
The study revealed significant differences in the severity of
symptoms and complications among the three patient groups. Unvaccinated
patients in Group 1 displayed more severe diabetic symptoms, including chronic
fatigue, polydipsia, polyuria, frequent hyperglycemia, and episodes of
decompensation. Complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy were more
common, with these patients requiring more frequent hospitalizations. Nearly
90% reported pronounced weakness, and 85% experienced severe fatigue.
These patients also had unstable blood glucose levels, leading to frequent
hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic episodes.
On the other hand, vaccinated patients in Group 2 showed milder
symptoms and fewer complications. Although hyperglycemia was still present, it
was less severe, and symptoms like weight loss and dry mouth were less
frequent. This group also exhibited more stable blood glucose levels with fewer
episodes of decompensation. Furthermore, fewer patients (25%) reported
chronic fatigue compared to the unvaccinated group (50%), and complications
like neuropathy and retinopathy were less prevalent.
MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
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Patients in Group 3, who had pre-existing diabetes, experienced
worsening conditions after contracting COVID-19, especially if they were
unvaccinated. They faced more frequent hyperglycemic episodes, severe fatigue,
and exacerbated diabetic complications. About 80% reported weakness, and
40% experienced chronic fatigue. The progression of diabetes-related
complications, such as neuropathy and retinopathy, was more pronounced in
this group.
Conclusion.
This study underscores the fact that unvaccinated diabetic patients
who contracted COVID-19 experienced more severe symptoms and a higher
incidence of complications compared to vaccinated individuals. Vaccination was
associated with reduced inflammation, improved metabolic control, and fewer
diabetes-related complications. These findings highlight the critical role of
vaccination in managing diabetes during pandemics, not only in preventing
severe COVID-19 but also in stabilizing metabolic control and reducing the long-
term risk of complications. Effective diabetes management in post-COVID-19
patients should include vaccination, lifestyle modifications, and continuous
monitoring to prevent complications and enhance health outcomes.
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