Biochemical differences between diabetic and non-diabetic COVID-19 patients

Emran Hossen; Shrabanti Barua; Anamika Zaman; Rojy Siddiqee; Surajit Dutta; Aminul Haque; Ataul Karim

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20261656

Authors

Emran Hossen Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biochemist and Lab In-charge, Echo Lab Medical Services, Naya Paltan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Shrabanti Barua Microbiologist, Shaeed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Anamika Zaman Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clinical Pathologist, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Sher e Bangla Nogor, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Rojy Siddiqee Upozilla Health Complex, Lohagara, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Surajit Dutta Department of Surgery, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Aminul Haque DPM, HSM, Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Ataul Karim Deputy Program Manager, Hospital Services Management, DGHS, Dhaka, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20261656

Keywords:

COVID-19, Diabetes mellitus, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, Hematological parameters

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic presents a major global health challenge, with diabetes mellitus significantly increasing the risk of severe illness and mortality. This elevated risk is linked to the unique biochemical milieu of diabetes characterized by chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic dysregulation which interacts synergistically with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Understanding the distinct biochemical and hematological differences between diabetic and non-diabetic COVID-19 patients is crucial for improving clinical management and outcomes.

Methods: This hospital-based comparative study was conducted at the COVID19 unit of M. Abdur Rahim Medical College and Hospital, Dinajpur, Bangladesh, from September 2020 to June 2021. One hundred confirmed COVID-19 patients (50 diabetic, 50 non-diabetic) were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data were collected via questionnaire. Blood samples were analyzed for CRP, D-Dimer, and complete blood count at Popular Diagnostic Centre Limited, Dinajpur. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.

Results: The study of 100 patients (50 diabetic, 50 non-diabetic) showed diabetics had markedly higher CRP (161.02 vs. 54.78 mg/l) and D-dimer (5.71 vs. 1.52 mg/ml). Hematologically, diabetics had elevated WBC (14.12 vs. 10.33), neutrophils (75.20% vs. 65.68%), and ESR (85.06 vs. 54.58), but lower lymphocytes (17.48% vs. 24.74%). Comorbidities like dyspnea (62% vs. 30%) and symptoms like fever (92% vs. 84%) were more prevalent in diabetics.

Conclusions: Diabetic COVID-19 patients exhibit a more severe biochemical and clinical profile than non-diabetics, necessitating targeted monitoring and management.

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