Infection of Novel Coronavirus in Patients with DiabetesMellitus

According to the preliminary research, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) has been found to be more severe in patients with diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, COVID-19 might also lead to hyperglycaemia. Along with other risk factors, high blood glucose may also affect immune and inflammatory responses, thus inclining patients to severe COVID-19 witha much higher mortality rate. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors are the common entry point for SARS-CoV-2. Recent findings suggest that dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) can also act as a binding and entry target. Glucose-lowering agents and anti-viral treatments can alter the risk, but there exist limitations to their use, and its possible interactions with COVID-19 treatments should be carefully assessed. TMPRSS2 and Neuropilin-1, the key components that facilitate SARS-CoV-2 infection, are also the potential targets forthe treatment of COVID-19. Finally, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections might represent a worsening factor for people with diabetes, as it can precipitate acute metabolic complications through direct negative effects on cell function. Thus, this chapter deals with the treatment options of diabetes and COVID-19. Most of these conclusions are preliminary, and further investigation of the optimal management in patients with diabetes mellitus is warranted.