A study found that men who had COVID-19 were more likely to develop diabetes than men who did not have it.
According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 18th (local time), the research team led by Professor Navid Janzoua of the University of British Columbia in Canada announced the results of this study. The research paper with the results was published in the latest issue of JAMA Network Open, a medical journal published by the American Medical Association.
The research team compared 125,000 people who had corona in 2020 and 2021, when the corona was popular, and 500,000 people who did not have corona during the same period. As a result, it was found that the possibility of developing diabetes within one year after being tested positive for corona patients increased by 17%.
The research team confirmed that the number increased to 22%, especially in men who had corona. Statistically significant numerical changes were not detected in women, except for severe corona patients.
Pamela Davis, a professor at Case-Wenston Reserve University, explained in relation to the study that “coronavirus may adversely affect the function of beta cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin.”
Professor Davis said, “The function of the ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptor on the surface of beta cells can be reduced in the process of binding to the spike protein of the coronavirus.” Insulin secretion does not work properly, raising the possibility that it can lead to diabetes.
Through this study, the research team researched the possibility that the stress received by corona patients may affect the onset of diabetes, and the possibility that severe corona patients produce an excessive amount of antibodies to respond to the virus, leading to an ‘autoimmune disease’ in which beta cells and the like attack the body. It raised the possibility that it would continue.
Regarding this study, Professor Janjoua said, “There is evidence that other than coronavirus, the virus that causes hepatitis C (HCV) also increases the risk of developing diabetes.”
However, the research team did not provide evidence that the study showed that corona infection is a direct cause of diabetes. Some objected to this phenomenon, saying that it is only easier to confirm the onset of diabetes than non-infected people because corona infected people receive regular medical treatment after recovering.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.