Short Communication
Are diabetes and its medications risk factors for the development of COVID-19? Data from a population-based study in Sicily

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2020.09.028Get rights and content

Highlights

  • In Sicily region, Diabetes Mellitus was not a risk factor for Sars-Cov2 infection.

  • In Sicily region, Diabetes Mellitus was associated with a higher case fatality for COVID-19.

  • No diabetes medications were associated with an increased or reduced risk for Sars-Cov2 infection in Sicily.

Abstract

Background and aims

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with higher incidence of severe cases of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients, but it is unknown whether DM is a risk factor for the overall COVID-19 incidence. The aim of present study was to investigate whether there is an association of DM with COVID-19 prevalence and case fatality, and between different DM medications and risk for COVID-19 infection and death.

Methods and results

retrospective observational study on all SARS-CoV-2 positive (SARS-CoV-2+) cases and deaths in Sicily up to 2020, May 14th. No difference in COVID-19 prevalence was found between people with and without DM (RR 0.92 [0.79–1.09]). Case fatality was significantly higher in SARS-CoV-2+ with DM (RR 4.5 [3.55–5.71]). No diabetes medication was associated with differences in risk for SARS-Cov2 infection.

Conclusions

in Sicily, DM was not a risk factor for COVID-19 infection, whereas it was associated with a higher case fatality.

Keywords

COVID-19 incidence
COVID-19 case fatality
Diabetes mellitus

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