Study: Elderly Type 2 Diabetics at Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19

The study in question reviewed "the characteristics of 1,317 diabetics who suffered from a severe form of covid-19 and were admitted to hospitals in France between March 10 and 31. According to the endocrinologist, Bertrand Cariou, who co-directed this work, "diabetic patients were identified as at-risk people. This alarming message was perceived in the same way in a type 2 diabetic patient over 75 years old, as in a young type 1 diabetic patient of 30 years old under insulin".

In addition to pointing the finger at the elderly who suffer from type 2 diabetes, and who are overweight, the study also shows that "there are very few type 1 diabetic patients among the severe forms of covid-19". As for the risk factors for death, they concern age. "Diabetics over 75 years old have 14 times more risk of dying after seven days of hospitalization than those under 55 years old". In addition, those who suffer from complications related to diabetes (retinal, kidney, cardiovascular damage) are also more likely to die from covid-19, reports AFP.

According to the same source, the professor believes that the main lesson of the study is that "prevention messages towards diabetics should be personalized at the time of deconfinement", by targeting those who are elderly and suffering from complications.