• To be aware that COVID-19 can trigger development of type 1 diabetes and that pre-existing diabetes can increase the severity of COVID-19
• To understand theories on the association between COVID-19 and the onset of type 1 diabetes and the complications experienced by those with pre-existing diabetes who contract COVID-19
• To increase your knowledge of the management of patients with pre-existing diabetes who present with COVID-19
It has been recognised that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can potentially trigger the development of type 1 diabetes. Research has also found that pre-existing diabetes increases the severity of COVID-19, accompanied by severe metabolic complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, presenting a clinical emergency and challenges in optimising glycaemic control. With high numbers of deaths from COVID-19 in the UK and worldwide, as well as ongoing new infections, it is important to consider the relationship between new-onset type 1 diabetes and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) infection and to consider the appropriate management of patients with COVID-19 and pre-existing diabetes.
Primary Health Care. doi: 10.7748/phc.2022.e1766
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Wilson V (2022) COVID-19 and diabetes: onset and challenges in management. Primary Health Care. doi: 10.7748/phc.2022.e1766
Published online: 11 May 2022
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