July 30th, 2020 / 0 Comments

Please note: As we continue to learn more about COVID-19, the information in this article may change. You can find our most up-to-date information about coronavirus here.
While it has been established that having diabetes (especially Type 2 diabetes with complications and/or Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes with hemoglobin A1c levels greater than 10%) can increase a person’s risk of severe COVID-19, the reverse may be true as well – some people may develop diabetes for the first time as a result of being infected with the coronavirus.
Diabetes develops when the body can’t regulate glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. This can either result from the body’s own immune system attacking the cells that produce insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or from the body becoming insensitive or resistant to insulin (Type 2 diabetes). Insulin is the hormone that helps sugar enter cells in the body where it is used for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and can cause both acute and chronic complications to the body.
Doctors have known for many years that certain viruses, such as the flu or coxsackie b, can trigger Type 1 diabetes in people who are genetically predisposed to developing diabetes. When these people get infected with a virus, the virus triggers an immune response that causes the body to develop antibodies against insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It can take a while for the body to develop the antibodies that attack the insulin-producing cells, so diabetes may not be immediately apparent.
Although researchers are not absolutely positive that the coronavirus can trigger Type 1 diabetes, it is important to watch your child and know their normal behavior so you can tell if they’re acting differently.
Early warning signs of diabetes include:
If your child has been diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll be involved in diabetes care on a day-to-day basis, from giving insulin injections and counting carbohydrates to watching for and treating hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You’ll also need to stay in close contact with your child’s health care team; they will help you understand the treatment plan and how to help your child stay healthy.
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