The Relationship Between Insulin Use And Increased Mortality In Patients With COVID-19 And Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis

Wang, Wanteng; Sun, Yu; Wang, Shuai; Sun, Yunbo

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review observational studies on the effect of insulin use and mortality in patients with COVID-19 and diabetes. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model, and I2 was applied to evaluate heterogeneity. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed. RESULTS: Overall, 1,338 patients over six studies were ultimately included. Insulin use was related to a higher risk of death in diabetic patients with COVID-19 compared to those who did not use insulin (odds ratio: 2.59, 95% confidence interval: 1.66-4.05; P < .0001; I2: 57%). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis revealed a correlation between insulin usage and increased mortality in diabetic patients with COVID-19. These results showed that insulin requirement in patients with COVID-19 and diabetes might indicate a poor prognosis.