EFFECT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES

Abstract

Diabetes and COVID-19 have a complex and reciprocal connection. Having diabetes mellitus is one of the most significant risk factors for developing COVID-19. This risk factor is believed to be influenced by several variables that are frequently present, such as hyperglycemia, hypercoagulable and proinflammatory conditions, age, and other co-existing diseases. Alternatively, the drastic COVID-19 infection and the steroids used to treat it can specifically be involved in the worsening of hyperglycemia by raising insulin resistance and cell secretory activity. In consequences, increased blood sugar level, may have a negative impact on how COVID-19 develops.This research is conducted at Ibn-e-Siena Hospital, Multan Medical and Dental College. The total of 100 diabetics participated in the study but only 82 participants were approved based on inclusion criteria. Out of which (53.7%) participants are male and (46.3%) participants are female. Simple random sampling technique is used in this study and study design used is cross-sectional. The results of this study showed that out of 82 participants, (8.5%) were underweight, (41.5%) were of normal weight, (30.5%) were overweight and (19.5%) were obese. (18.3%) suffered from retinopathy, (13.4%) with nephropathy, (6.1%) with neuropathy, (6.1%) with foot ulcer, (29.3%) with heart disease. About (48.8%) had increased fasting blood glucose level, (56.1%) had increased random blood glucose level, (18.3%) had HbA1c level of above (7%). During COVID-19, vegetables and fruits consumption decreased, while sugary food or sweetened beverages consumption increased as compared to before lockdown.