Catching COVID could lead to developing Type 2 Diabetes, study finds
The study recommends those testing positive should check their blood levels
Coronavirus could be linked to an increased chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes, according to a new study.
Research published by scientists in Germany monitored the health of nine million people across 1,000 GP surgeries from March 2020 and January 2021.
When compared with other respiratory infections mentioned in the study, there was a 28% increase in those that developed Type 2 diabetes after contracting the virus.
Authors of the report said that if the link between the two illnesses is confirmed, those who have tested positive should check their blood sugar levels once recovered.
The authors also suggest that further research should be carried into whether catching COVID can help to bring pre-existing diabetes to light due to the stress the virus puts on the body.
Giving a statement at the publishing of the study, lead author Professor Wolfgang Rathmann, from the German Diabetes Centre at Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf, said there needed to be additional research to fully understand the effects of COVID.
"Since the Covid-19 patients were only followed for about three months, further follow-up is needed to understand whether type 2 diabetes after mild Covid-19 is just temporary and can be reversed after they have fully recovered, or whether it leads to a chronic condition," he said.
Speaking about the findings of the research, Dr Faye Riley, research communications manager at charity Diabetes UK said that there was still a lot to do to fully confirm the connection.
"This study, and others, hint that coronavirus could be triggering type 2 diabetes. But there's still work to do to unpick the link between the two conditions.
"It's not yet clear if the virus is causing new cases of type 2 diabetes, bringing undiagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes to light, or temporarily driving up blood sugar levels.
"Everyone, regardless of whether they've had coronavirus or not, should be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes, these include: unexplained weight loss; feeling thirsty or tired; and going to the toilet more often.
"Some diabetes symptoms, like tiredness, may appear similar to those brought on by coronavirus, and it could be easy to mistake one for the other.
"If you notice any symptoms of diabetes, seek help from your GP practice immediately."