This systematic review and meta-analysis examined sixteen studies involving COVID-19 survivors and non-infected individuals. The researchers looked at the risk of developing new-onset diabetes and other metabolic markers at least three months after recovery from the infection.
The analysis found that people who had COVID-19 faced a 41% increased risk of new-onset diabetes compared to those who were not infected. The study also reported higher levels of HbA1c and insulin resistance in the infected group. However, results for fasting blood glucose were inconsistent and highly varied across the different studies included in the review.
The authors note that the estimate was predominantly driven by a single large-scale study. Because of this and other factors like substantial heterogeneity across outcomes, the findings warrant cautious interpretation. The study did not report safety concerns or adverse events.
Readers should understand that this evidence supports considering metabolic monitoring and longitudinal follow-up in post-COVID care, particularly for individuals at elevated cardiometabolic risk. It is important not to overstate these results as proof of a direct cause-and-effect relationship.