Are diabetes and its medications risk factors for the development of COVID-19? Data from a population-based study in Sicily

Antonio, Silverii Giovanni; Matteo, Monami; Achille, Cernigliaro; Enrica, Vigneri; Valentina, Guarnotta; Salvatore, Scondotto; Vincenza, Allotta Alessandra; Michela, Conti; Carla, Giordano; Edoardo, Mannucci

Background and aims Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with higher incidence of severe cases of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients, but it is unknown whether DM is a risk factor for the overall COVID-19 incidence. The aim of present study was to investigate whether there is an association of DM with COVID-19 prevalence and case fatality, and between different DM medications and risk for COVID-19 infection and death. Methods and Results retrospective observational study on all SARS-CoV-2 positive (SARS-CoV-2+) cases and deaths in Sicily up to 2020, May 14th. No difference in COVID-19 prevalence was found between people with and without DM (RR 0.92 [0.79-1.09]). Case fatality was significantly higher in SARS-CoV-2+ with DM (RR 4.5 [3.55-5.71]). No diabetes medication was associated with differences in risk for SARS-Cov2 infection. Conclusions in Sicily, DM was not a risk factor for COVID-19 infection, whereas it was associated with a higher case fatality.