Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 diabetic versus non-diabetic patients: A retrospective comparative study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and related comorbidities have a significant impact on clinical presentation and outcomes. The aim is to compare clinical presentation and outcomes among COVID-19 patients with or without DM. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data from 312 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 at a single hospital were collected respectively from January to April 2021. It included demographic data, clinical symptoms, underlying comorbidities, clinical chemistry, and hematological laboratory findings. Different inflammation indices were calculated. The findings of COVID-19 diabetic and nondiabetic patients were compared. RESULTS: The percentage of COVID-19 patients with DM and hypertension or cardiovascular diseases was significantly higher compared to non-diabetic patients (78.6 % vs. 35%, and 46.4% vs. 23%, P <  0.001) respectively. The diabetic patients showed a significant increase in D-dimer and alkaline phosphatase levels (1922.2 vs.1154.5, P = 0.007 and 85.3 vs.75.5, P = 0.01) respectively. On the other hand, diabetic patients showed a significant decrease in serum albumin (3.5 vs.3.6, P = 0.012). The mean death probability indicator (ANDC), and ICU admission were higher in diabetic patients (72.2%, and 36.6% ; respectively) versus the non-diabetic patients (60.7% and 26.1% ; P <  0.001, 0.071; respectively). Also, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was significantly higher in diabetic patients as compared to non-diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: The diabetic patients had more comorbidities, a higher rate of ICU admission