COVID-19 is associated with high blood glucose levels: Diabetic neuropathy during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Background: The nerves in the legs and feet are most frequently damaged by diabetic neuropathy. The COVID-19 infection is associated with a high risk of neuropathy symptoms. Case Presentation On July 12, 2022, a 58-year-old black female retiree with significant symptoms of numbness and muscle weakness in the hands and legs was brought into the emergency room. 17 years prior, she received a type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosis. Metformin 1.5 g twice a day and glibenclamide 10 mg twice a day were part of her therapy regimen. When she was admitted to the emergency room, she described a one-day history of shortness of breath, frequent urination, excessive thirst, hyperglycemia, excessive appetite, fever, headache, and dehydration. A chest X-ray showed bilateral diffuse, patchy airspace opacities that could be caused by multifocal pneumonia or viral pneumonia. She started receiving 1000 mL of fluid resuscitation (0.9% normal saline) as soon as she was moved to the critical care unit, along with a drip-in insulin infusion. Conclusion: Diabetes, infections like COVID-19, poor vitamin levels, and other factors can all contribute to diabetic neuropathies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are much more likely to experience severe morbidity and death from coronavirus disease-19. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy continued for months after a COVID-19 infection test resulted in a positive result.