“diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was a complication in almost half of cases among those with a positive COVID-19 test“
Very early during the COVID-19 pandemic it was reported that diabetes was an apparent risk factor for severe disease and poor outcomes. These data came from populations where most of those with diabetes had type 2. So one question was the effect of type 1 diabetes on COVID severity. Now a study has been published examining the effects of type 1 diabetes on COVID. A total of 33 persons across the United States with type 1 diabetes and COVID-19 confirmed by PCR test were surveyed. Another 31 with suspected COVID were also identified. The average age was 24.8 years. The symptoms of COVID were similar to expectations including fever, cough, fatigue, vomiting, shortness of breath, and aches. Interestingly, hyperglycemia was sometimes one of the earliest symptoms. Importantly, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was a complication in almost half of cases among those with a positive COVID-19 test. This suggests that COVID-19, like some other viral infections such as severe influenza, can precipitate DKA. The research was published June 5th in the journal Diabetes Care (find the article at link1 or link2 ). If you or your loved one has type 1 diabetes, and develops symptoms of COVID-19, be sure to contact your diabetes doctor to help provide advice on how to prevent DKA. Fluids, carbohydrates, ketone checks, and extra insulin are very important in this regard. We remain on call 24×7 to assist.