Recent Patterns and Assessment of Long-term Complications following SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination in the Context of Diabetes Prevalence among Blood Donors

Background: Much increasing evidence has suggested that long-term complications post vaccination of SARS-CoV-2 experience a wide range of complication including diabetes. The risk and burden of type 1 diabetes is extensively reported, but type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) has yet to be characterized. To address this gap, we aimed to examine trends of long-term complications post SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination in diabetes incidence among the Saudi population. Methods: In this cross-sectional hospital-based study, we analyzed the blood profile of first-time blood donors from the University Hospital of King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. Saudi Arabia. Various blood parameters, HbA1c was measured in the month of May 2023. All the donors were non-diabetic and were never diagnosed with T2D before the current blood donation. 203 healthy subjects donated their blood, out of which 104 had abnormally high HbA1c tending towards diagnosis of T2D and 99 had with blood profiles. The study followed the STROBE reporting guidelines. Results: Out of 203 donors 104 (male 50(48.1%), female 54(51.9%)) were diagnosed with increased HbA1c (8.24 in males) compared to 7.61 of HbA1c in females. 35.6% were above >65 years, with 52.9% with O+ from the ABO blood group. Liver functions indicated significant p<0.05, 0.04, increased amount of GGT (46.47 U/L), Alkaline phosphatase (99.93 +/- 64.26 uL) respectively in HbA1c elevated donors KFT represented significant p<0.05, 0.02 elevated levels of urea (6.73 +/- 5.51 mmol/L), creatinine (129.97 +/- 195.17 umol/L) respectively along with elevated values of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (263.72 +/- 196.70 uL) and triglycerides (1.66 +/- 0.74mmol/L) when compared to normal value of HbA1c donors. Discussion: In the present cross-sectional study, significant increase in HbA1c, trending towards increased cases of T2D post SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. Males are much affected compared to females. Further maximum number of cases were from donors above the age of 65 years with altered partial LFT (GGT, Alkaline phosphatase), KFT (urea, creatinine), lipid profile (TG) and LDH in post SARS-CoV-2 and vaccination blood donors. Conclusion: Increase in HbA1c in 50% of donors, irrespective of gender, is an alarming figure for health authorities, with altered LFT, KFT and LDH tests and, in the near future, may increase the incidence of T2D. Large-scale population-based studies are required to prevent future incidences of T2D in young children who will be vaccinated.