The human body functions as an engine, converting food into fuel through metabolic processes. This becomes concerning given "evidence suggesting that COVID-19 can have disruptive metabolic effects."
Glucose serves as the body's primary metabolic fuel source. Insulin plays the crucial role of enabling glucose entry into cells for energy production. Under normal conditions, the pancreas releases stored insulin (phase 1) and produces new insulin via beta cells (phase 2). When insulin resistance develops, it can trigger a harmful feedback loop that worsens hyperglycemia.
Research has documented significant correlations between COVID-19 severity and glucose metabolism. A study of 7,337 patients found that diabetes combined with hyperglycemia predicted "more severe effects and higher mortality by a factor of 7." Medications like dexamethasone used to treat COVID-19 can worsen hyperglycemic conditions.
Additional findings indicated that hyperglycemic COVID-19 patients were "15.6 times more likely to need intubation" and "3.6 times more likely to succumb to the disease," with over ninefold increased risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Research identified insulin resistance (IR) rather than beta cell dysfunction (BCF) as the primary hyperglycemia mechanism in COVID-19 patients. Insulin sensitivity medications may benefit these patients.
Adipose tissue dysfunction correlates with metabolic disorders. Studies revealed significantly lower adiponectin-to-leptin ratios in glycemic COVID-19 patients, suggesting compromised metabolic health.