The Increasing Prevalence of DM in COVID-19 Patients in North Sudan: Is it a Matter of Diabetogenicity?

Background: COVID-19 had made more than 197 million infections and 4 million death. Therefore, we need to assess the prevalence of DM among COVID-19 patients and its effect on the outcome. Objectives: We aim to assess the prevalence, risk factors and outcome of diabetes among COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, hospital-based study enrolled 400 COVID-19 patients and was conducted in COVID-19 isolation centres in North Sudan. Results: Males constituted 275 (68.9%) of the study participants, and the majority of participants were aged between 40 and 60 years 150(37.4%). The prevalence of DM was found to be 49.25% in the study participants. Diabetics were significantly more likely to have a respiratory rate higher than 30 (P=0.012), and oxygen saturation less than 93% (P<0.001), to develop shock (P=0.004), to require oxygen therapy (P<0.001), to be intubated (P<0.001), to develop respiratory failure and organ failure (P<0.001), and to have a poorer outcome (P<0.001). New-onset diabetes occurred in 20 (5%) participants and their mortality was higher compared to non-patients with diabetes (P=0.04). The total mortality of participants was 15.8%. Factors associated with poorer outcome were older age (P<0.001), and having type 1 diabetes (P=0.025).Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetes is very high among COVID-19 patients, and is associated with a more severe disease and a poorer outcome. New onset diabetes was associated with poorer outcome compared to non-diabetics.