After COVID infection, many individuals go on to develop new symptoms. For instance, a meta-analysis on nearly 40 million study participants showed that the risk of diabetes after COVID was elevated at all ages. And it seems that the more severe the symptoms of COVID, the more likely patients were to develop diabetes. This was especially true in the first three months after infection.
According to large-scale studies, “diabetes risk after COVID infection was higher in unvaccinated than vaccinated patients.” This is likely because vaccination reduces risk of severe COVID symptoms. And the level of inflammation caused by a viral infection matters, because with more inflammation comes more damage. But just because you develop a mild case of COVID doesn’t mean the risk of diabetes is absent, because reports have shown that even mild cases of COVID have significantly higher risks of diabetes, too.
We know the COVID virus is entering and replicating in the pancreas based on postmortem autopsies. This is important because the pancreas contains the cells that release insulin. Researchers have found the virus within the cells that produce insulin. And what happens after viruses enter the cells? Their insulin production declines, leading to worse blood sugar control. Other organs are also targeted, but perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that insulin production is disrupted because COVID can cause serious pancreatic damage.
As blood sugar climbs, the body now has new metabolic issues to address. The risk of diabetes diagnosis after COVID infection is much higher than other types of infections. Studies reveal a 1.48-fold increase in risk for developing type 1 diabetes, where the body produces auto-antibodies that attack our own insulin-producing cell. The risk for type 2 diabetes rises by 1.7-fold.
Surprisingly, it’s not just older folks who are affected! Research finds that the groups most affected by a new diabetes diagnosis may be those over 65 as well as those under 18!
Several studies attempt to understand why youth remain susceptible to diabetes, and rising body weight is one of the factors. Most children with moderate or severe obesity in 2019 increased their body fat percentage further during lock-downs in 2020. This increase in body weight raises risk of type two diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, which can further promote comfort eating. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 19.3% children aged 2-19 years were obese in August 2019, and that was 22.4% just one year later.
Importantly, weight is not the only factor, just one of many that may increase risks of metabolic diseases like diabetes.
Once a person has developed metabolic disease, what’s next? Doctors will prescribe necessary medications and run tests to rule out other issues, but usually diabetics cannot reverse their diagnosis.
Doctors also push for their patients to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. This includes nudges to move more often and exercise, eat less added sugar, and increase healthy vegetables and fruit to improve overall health. Even adjusting sleep habits can help us with blood sugar management.
Treo has a specific pathway for those seeking better blood sugar. With options to learn more about specific healthy habits, engaging content helps members learn new skills and techniques. This content includes hundreds of on-demand fitness options and plenty of cook-along videos to build kitchen skills. We also deliver resources to build resilience and manage stress as well as sleep support. And to avoid COVID and other future infections, both exercise and healthier food choices can support your immune system.
Interested in how you and your team can learn more? Email us at info@treowellness.com.
As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
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