Diabetes-associated nephropathy and obesity influence COVID-19 outcome in type 2 diabetes patients

Schiller, Martin; Solger, Kim; Leipold, Stefanie; Kerl, Hans Ulrich; Kick, Wolfgang

Coronavirus disease 2019 has rapidly spread around the globe and various comorbidities, such as diabetes have been recognized as risk factors for an unfavorable outcome. We analyzed a cohort of COVID-19 patients (n = 75) treated at a German community hospital. With a focus on diabetes mellitus, we evaluated the impact of distinct comorbidities on the COVID-19 disease course. The duration of hospital stay was prolonged if diabetes was present. An older age was associated with a poor outcome. The percentage of non-survivors increased in the presence of congestive heart failure or chronic kidney disease. In the group of diabetes patients, mortality was increased if any organ complication was present and diabetic nephropathy or the combination of obesity plus diabetes were by far the most important risk factors. Taken together, an older age, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease significantly influenced COVID-19 disease course and survival. Diabetic nephropathy or the combination of obesity plus diabetes had the strongest impact on patients’ outcome.