Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with diabetes mellitus in Kuwait

Abstract Background COVID-19 has a highly variable clinical presentation, ranging from asymptomatic to severe respiratory symptoms and death. Diabetes seems to be one of the main comorbidities contributing to a worse COVID-19 outcome. Objective In here we analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetic COVID-19 patients Kuwait. Methods In this single-center, retrospective study of 417 consecutive COVID-19 patients, we analyze and compare disease severity, outcome, associated complications, and clinical laboratory findings between diabetic and non-diabetic COVID-19 patients. Results COVID-19 patients with diabetes had more ICU admission than non-diabetic COVID-19 patients (20.1% vs. 16.8%, p Conclusion Diabetes is a major contributor to worsening outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Understanding the pathophysiology underlining these findings could provide insight into better management and improved outcome of such cases.