Association between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Moderate to Severe Forms of Covid-19 among Inpatients at the Military Armed Forces Training Hospital Omar BONGO ONDIMBA

Abstract

Background: Comorbidities, such as Type 2 diabetes Mellitus, have been identified as high-risk factors for developing moderate or severe COVID-19. In this study, we aimed to explore the epidemiological aspect of COVID-19 in Type 2 diabetes patients in Gabon, Central Africa.Method: This was a retrospective and descriptive study conducted over a period of 12 months, from September 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021, at the Military Armed Forces Training Hospital Omar BONGO ONDIMBA. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 in patients with Type 2 diabetes.Results: A total of 65 patients were hospitalized in the internal medicine COVID unit and were included in the study. The majority of patients (53.1%) were aged 60 years and older, with a median age of 60 years and a range between 33 and 87 years. The male gender was predominant, accounting for 56.9% of cases. Moderate forms of COVID-19 were observed in 72.3% of patients, with dyspnea being the most common clinical sign (42.6%). Severe forms were observed in 27.7% of patients, and respiratory distress was the dominant clinical sign (50%). A chest CT scan revealed lung damage of more than 50% in these patients. Ketoacidosis, an acute complication of Type 2 diabetes, was observed in 18.5% of patients. Conclusion:This study highlights the significant impact of Type 2 diabetes on the outcome of COVID-19 infections, increasing the risk of severe forms and resulting in worse vital prognoses for patients. Early detection of diabetes in suspected COVID-19 cases is crucial to mitigate this risk.