Diabetes and COVID-19; a Review of Possible Mechanisms

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) (COVID-19) has recently raised worldwide public health concerns. The available data on COVID-19 in patients with diabetes is limited but generally indicate that there is an increased risk of developing COVID-19 infection in diabetic patients, which ultimately impacts the overall patient’s survival. Various aspects might be involved; however, the exact mechanisms and interrelationships between diabetes and the novel COVID-19 have not yet been fully elucidated. This review summarizes the possible mechanisms by which present diabetes predispose individuals to COVID-19 infection, modulates the hostviral interactions and increases the risk of mortality. We hope this review can provide beneficial information for further studies and contribute to improved disease management of diabetic patients with COVID-19.