Comparative Analysis of Glucose Biomarkers During Acute and Recovery Phases in COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

COVID-19, or the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, affects glucose metabolism to a great extent. Recent studies have reported that hyperglycemia and glucose control disorders among patients with COVID-19 can increase the severity of infection, mainly in individuals with prior chronic non-fatal conditions including diabetes. The aim of this study is to assess some glucose biomarkers as Random Blood Sugar and Fructosamine levels that might be useful in COVID-19 patients during acute phase of infection and recovery. This study included 150 participants: 100 COVID-19 patients (50 males, 50 females) and 50 controls in Baghdad from November 2021 to June 2022. Blood samples were collected during the acute (1-3 weeks) and recovery phases (4-6 weeks) of infection. Random Blood Sugar, Glycated Hemoglobin, and Fructosamine levels were measured using a fully automated biochemical analyzer (INTEGRA-400 plus by Roche). The significant sex differences in glucose biomarkers in acute and recovery phases of COVID-19 patients were shown by this study. In the acute phase, Random blood sugar (RBS) levels were significantly more elevated in males to 382.98 ± 160.37 mg/dl compared with females 207.96 ± 65.38 mg/dl while similar trends were seen in HbA1c and fructosamine level respectively.) During recovery phase high glucose levels persist in males as well which clearly indicate the stronger effect of COVID-19 on glucose metabolism might be more in males. These results highlight the need to follow the glucose profiles in individuals with COIVID-19, and especially in men. The study reveals that COVID-19 patients often experience compromised glucose regulation, particularly in males. Compared to females, males have higher blood RBS, HbA1c, and fructosamine levels, making them more susceptible to high blood glucose levels. Post-recovery, glucose profiles remain elevated, especially in males, making them more susceptible to diabetes and other metabolic complications. Fructosamine is more useful as a follow-up indicator.