Characteristics of Diabetes Mellitus Developed Post-Covid-19 Infection in Adults

Abstract

Background: This integrative review aimed to identify the specific criteria researchers have used in their studies to classify and treat post-COVID-19 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) compared to other types of DM recognized by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Materials and Methods: In this study, an integrative review of the literature was used. The search strategy began with three electronic databases (CINAHL, Coronavirus Research, and MEDLINE/PubMed). Considering the inclusion criteria, published studies that examined the new onset or early onset of DM post-COVID-19 infection in adults were chosen. Data extraction and analysis were completed on all included studies. The final sample for this integrative review comprised 20 studies.

Results: The findings of this integrative review indicated the demographic and physiological variables associated with post-COVID-19 DM compared to the other types of DM (T1DM, LADA, and T2DM). These findings have been divided into three themes: Theme 1—the nomenclature of post-COVID-19 DM; Theme 2—the individual risk factors for developing post-COVID-19 DM including the subthemes of demographic variables and physiological variables (lab tests); and Theme 3—post-COVID-19 DM treatment.

Conclusion: In general, the findings of this integrative review highlighted that post-COVID-19 DM might be considered a novel form of DM with unique genetic features. This integrative review called attention to the need for further research on post-COVID-19 DM.