Out-of-Control Diabetes Increases COVID-19 Death Risk

According to findings from a retrospective multi-centered study of 7,337 COVID-19 cases in Hubei Province, China, individuals with type 2 diabetes were much more likely to succumb to the disease, compared with individuals who did not have diabetes (7.8% versus 2.7%). Among those with type 2 diabetes, those with poor glucose control (hemoglobin A1C averaging 8.1%) had an in-hospital death rate of 11.0%. Those in good glucose control (hemoglobin A1C averaging 7.3%) had an in-hospital death rate of 1.1% and were less likely to experience organ damage or require medical interventions. The authors hope these findings improve disease outcomes for those patients infected with COVID-19 with type 2 diabetes.