THE PREVALENCE of new-onset Type 2 diabetes significantly increases following COVID-19 infection, a 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis has revealed.
Type 2 Diabetes is a Risk Factor for Severe COVID-19 Infection
Emerging evidence is beginning to explore Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes following COVID-19 infection as a clinically significant research area. In fact, several reports suggest an increased risk for metabolic disorders up to two years after infection.
During the pandemic, patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes were identified as having a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection and increased mortality. It follows that corticosteroids, that have a well-established effect on metabolic control, were used as a standard treatment for COVID.
Obesity and prediabetes also fall under reported risk factors for the development of diabetes post-COVID infection. However, researchers said that the prevalence and factors influencing incident diabetes are yet to be consistently reported and explored.
Prevalence of Incident Diabetes Increased Post-COVID Infection
After analysing new-onset diabetes (combined Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes or undefined diabetes), researchers estimated an overall prevalence of 8.33% following COVID-19 infection in more than 53,200 patients globally.
The overall estimated prevalence of incident Type 2 diabetes in COVID-19 was 8.92%. That figure stood at 0.86% for Type 1 diabetes. At study level, there was no link found relating to age, sex, or follow-up duration.
Researchers also warned that results should be interpreted with caution because analyses were limited by the small number of included studies and heterogeneity of study design.
Researchers Called for Analysis of Underlying Factors
The systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a marked and statistically significant increase in Type 2 diabetes or combined conditions (Type 1, Type 2, or undefined diabetes). Data analysis also pointed to a minimal change in the prevalence of Type 1 diabetes post-infection.
Researchers, therefore, highlighted the importance of understanding underlying factors behind the association, particularly in the context of emerging variants.
References
Keels JN et al. Prevalence of new-onset diabetes following COVID-19 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2026;28(4):3128–3192.
Bowe B et al. Postacute sequelae of COVID‐19 at 2 years. Nat Med. 2023;29(9):2347‐2357.
Zhou Y et al. Obesity and diabetes as high‐risk factors for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19). Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2021;DOI:10.1002/dmrr.3377.
Kim SH et al. New‐onset diabetes after COVID‐19. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;DOI:10.1210/clinem/dgad284.
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