Currently there is insufficient data to show whether people with diabetes are more likely to get COVID-19 than the general population. However, people with diabetes are more likely to have worse complications if they get the virus. Older people are also at higher risk of complications if they get the virus.
People with diabetes are generally more likely to have severe symptoms and/or serious complications from COVID-19, especially if the diabetes is not well-managed.
Having heart disease or other complications in addition to diabetes could worsen the chance of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, like other viral infections, because more than one condition makes it harder for your body to fight the infection.
Viral infections can also increase inflammation, or internal swelling, in people with diabetes. If the diabetes is not well-managed, it can interfere with the body’s ability to fight off viral infections like COVID-19 and lead to severe illness and longer recovery period.
The CDC is continuing to update their website as new information about COVID-19 becomes available. Currently, they are reporting that people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Severe illness means that a person with COVID-19 may need:
Hospitalization
Intensive care
A ventilator to help them breathe
Or they may even die
Based on what the CDC is reporting at this time, people with type 1 or gestational diabetes might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. It’s important to remember that people with either type of diabetes can vary in their age, complications they’ve developed and how well they have been able to manage their diabetes. People who already have diabetes-related health problems are likely to have worse outcomes if they contract COVID-19 than people with diabetes who are otherwise healthy, whichever type of diabetes they have.
