Impact of Diabetes on the Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019

Background: Diabetes mellitus has been associated with worse outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the specific hematological and biochemical characteristics underlying disease severity and prognosis in diabetic patients remain incompletely understood. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of diabetes on the clinical course, inflammatory response, and prognostic laboratory markers in patients with COVID- 19. Methods: In this retrospective study conducted between January and July 2021, 167 patients with confirmed COVID-19, testing positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, were divided into diabetes and non-diabetes groups. This categorization allowed for comparisons of demographics, symptoms, laboratory data, and outcomes. Results: Among 167 patients, those with diabetes showed increased incidences of cerebrovascular and chronic kidney diseases compared with non-diabetic patients. Conversely, a sore throat was less frequent among diabetic patients. Laboratory findings included higher white blood cell counts, decreased lymphocytes, elevated creatinine, serum potassium, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, and lower serum albumin. COVID-19 patients with diabetes faced elevated risks of severe pneumonia and higher mortality, though hospitalization duration did not significantly differ. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings emphasize vigilant monitoring and tailored management for COVID-19 patients with diabetes and underlying comorbidities.