Impact of diabetes status and related factors on COVID-19-associated hospitalization: A nationwide retrospective cohort study of 116,370 adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Research Question: What is the correlation between COVID-19 related hospitalizations, Diabetes Mellitus, and other demographic and clinical factors?
Research Findings: In 116,370 adults diagnosed with COVID-19, (93,098 of whom do not have diabetes; 802 whom do have Type 1 Diabetes; and 22,470 whom do have Type 2 Diabetes), it was found that diabetes, male sex, public health insurance, decreased body mass index (BMI; <25.0–29.9 kg/m2), increased BMI (>25.0–29.9 kg/m2), vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, and Elixhauser comorbidity score were all factors that independently increased risk for hospitalization. After further adjustment for concurrent hyperglycemia and acidosis in those with diabetes, hospitalization risk was substantially higher in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) than Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and in those with low vitamin D and elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).
Research Meaning: The higher hospitalization risk in T1D versus T2D warrants further investigation. Modifiable risk factors such as vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, BMI, and elevated HbA1c may serve as prognostic indicators for COVID-19-related hospitalization in adults with diabetes.
