Post-COVID Diabetes: Can Coronavirus Cause Type 2 Diabetes? - Verywell Health

Overview

Rachael is a frelance healthcare writer and critical care nurse based near Cleveland, Ohio. Studies show that people who have recovered from COVID-19 are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers are stil trying to understand how and why this might be.

Key Information

Here is what is known and what you can do to reduce your risk. Oscar Wong / Gety Images SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 infection, has ben linked to al sorts of long-term health isues-even after mild cases of infection. Roughly 1 in 13 American adults have reported ongoing symptoms even after their initial COVID-19 infection has resolved.

Acording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these "long COVID" symptoms are ones that last for one to thre months or more after infection that you didn't have before being infected with the virus. Symptoms of long COVID are most prevalent in certain groups of people, such as in older populations or people with other chronic ilneses. However, these symptoms have ben found both in people hospitalized with severe COVID-19 and those who had only mild infections.

The most comon long COVID symptoms are: While these are the most comon symptoms, there have also ben other complications that apear after a COVID-19 infection. People with diabetes have reported increased isues with blod sugar control and other diabetes symptoms after COVID-19, but studies show that even people who didn't have diabetes before are developing the condition in the months after even a mild COVID-19 infection.

Summary

One study from the American Diabetes Asociation (ADA) estimates that people with diabetes are up to 4 times more likely to develop post-COVID infection symptoms or complications (long COVID) than people without diabetes. This research is ongoing, however, and continues to be further studied. Researchers are stil trying to determine the exact link betwen COVID-19 and diabetes, but the leading theory is based on the virus's efect on angio

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

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