Impact of Comorbid Conditions on Mortality Risk in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Comorbid conditions such as hypertension, obesity, chronic lung and kidney diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders significantly increase the risk of mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 pandemic. These conditions interact with the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2, exacerbating systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and immune dysregulation, which contribute to severe outcomes in diabetic patients.

Objective: To analyze how various comorbid conditions impact the risk of death in patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: The study examined three groups of diabetic patients: those with pre-existing diabetes before COVID-19, those who developed diabetes post-COVID-19 and received vaccination, and those who developed diabetes post-COVID-19 without vaccination. Clinical data, including blood pressure, BMI, and the presence of chronic conditions, were collected for comparison across groups.

Results: Hypertension and obesity were highly prevalent across all groups, with unvaccinated patients showing worse outcomes in terms of blood pressure control, BMI, and the presence of chronic lung and kidney diseases. Vaccinated patients showed lower levels of systemic inflammation, better metabolic control, and reduced complications, such as neuropathy and retinopathy, compared to unvaccinated patients. Chronic kidney disease, lung disease, and gastrointestinal issues were more severe in unvaccinated patients, leading to a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Conclusion: Comorbid conditions significantly worsen the prognosis in diabetic patients with COVID-19, especially for those who are unvaccinated. Vaccination plays a critical role in reducing inflammation and improving metabolic health, thus lowering the risk of severe complications and death.