COVID-19 pandemic, coronaviruses, and diabetes mellitus
Ranganath Muniyappa, Sriram Gubbi
Abstract
The pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Older age and presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity significantly increases the risk for hospitalization and death in COVID-19 patients. In this Perspective, informed by the studies on SARS-CoV-2, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), and the current literature on SARS-CoV-2, we discuss potential mechanisms by which diabetes modulates the host-viral interactions and host-immune responses. We hope to highlight gaps in knowledge that require further studies pertinent to COVID-19 in patients with diabetes.
Topics & Concepts
PandemicDiabetes mellitusCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)MedicineCoronavirusSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirusDiseaseMiddle East respiratory syndromeIntensive care medicineBetacoronavirus2019-20 coronavirus outbreakVirologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)Internal medicineOutbreakEndocrinologyCOVID-19 Clinical Research StudiesSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchLong-Term Effects of COVID-19