Diabetes and COVID-19: Biological profile of type 2 diabetic patients with COVID-19 in Pointe-Noire, Congo

Introduction: COVID-19 is new pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Several factors of bad prognosis have been implicated including diabetes. Several poor prognostic factors have been associated with the severity of this disease, including diabetes. In Congo, no study to date has investigated the profile of diabetics hospitalized for COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological profile of Congolese diabetic patients admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 in Pointe-Noire. Materials and methods: This was a prospective study conducted among patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in Pointe-Noire between March and November 2020. Sociodemographic, clinical and biological data, duration of hospitalization, and viral load were investigated. A total of 84 COVID-19 patients have been admitted to Louise Michel Clinic and the Adolph Sice General Public Hospital. Two groups were formed: diabetic patients and non-diabetic patients based on the history of antidiabetic medication or fasting plasma blood glucose levels at admission. Results between the two groups were compared. Results: Out of 84 COVID-19 patients, 48 were diabetic (mean age: 48.50 ± 11.98 years) versus 36 non-diabetic (mean age: 45.56 ± 8.48 years). Significant increases in fasting blood glucose, D-dimers, white blood cells, low oxygen saturation (SaPO2), and higher mortality was observed were observed in COVID-19-positive diabetics when compared to non-diabetic patients(p < 0.02). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of clinical symptoms. An increased risk of death was associated with higher levels of D-dimers and HbA1c at admission in the diabetic group. Conclusion: An increase in D-dimer levels and high blood glucose levels at admission increased the risk of death in diabetic patients with COVID-19 in Pointe-Noire.