### COVID-19 and Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know A recent study has found that recovering from COVID-19 could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, which included over 600,000 people in British Columbia, showed that individuals who had COVID-19 were at a higher risk of developing diabetes more than 30 days after their diagnosis. According to the research, an estimated 3 to 5 percent of diabetes cases may be linked to COVID-19. #### Key Findings - **Higher Risk:** People who had COVID-19 had a 17% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not have the virus. - **Severe Cases:** The risk was even higher for those who had severe COVID-19, requiring hospitalization or ICU admission. Being in the ICU tripled the risk, while hospitalization doubled it. - **Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes:** The study found that COVID-19 was linked to non-insulin-dependent diabetes, which is mostly type 2 diabetes. - **Vaccination Status:** The increased risk was only observed in unvaccinated individuals. #### Possible Reasons The exact reasons why COVID-19 increases the risk of diabetes are not entirely clear. Some studies suggest that the virus could infect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, affecting their function. Chronic inflammation, common in people with obesity or an overactive immune response, might also play a role. #### What Can Be Done? - **Monitoring:** Healthcare providers should monitor individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 for signs of diabetes, especially those who had severe cases. - **Lifestyle Changes:** Diet and physical activity can help manage and even reverse type 2 diabetes. People who have been hospitalized should focus on regaining their physical fitness. - **Vaccination:** Although not directly assessed in this study, being fully vaccinated could reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 and, consequently, the risk of developing diabetes. In summary, while more research is needed to fully understand the link between COVID-19 and diabetes, it is crucial to be aware of this potential long-term consequence and take preventive measures where possible.