Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic was detrimental to social and economic growth and risked the lives of many patients. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes were at risk of contracting the virus due to poor body immunity. The COVID-19 symptoms worsened the effects of diabetes among patients. Additionally, the study by Lim et al. (2020) explored the pathophysiological relationship between diabetes mellitus and COVID-19. The study shows that the virus has the potential to increase blood sugar levels, putting diabetes patients at risk. The pathophysiological relationship between diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 make it crucial for patients to adopt preventive measures.
Summary
Lim et al. (2020), in their article, “COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus: from pathophysiology to clinical management”, explored how COVID-19 can worsen the symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The researchers reviewed similar studies conducted in various countries: the UK, the U.S., China, and France (Lim et al., 2020). According to Liam et al. (2020), patients with diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 were more likely to die. The high mortality rate was precipitated by the symptoms of diabetes, which include heart failure and chronic kidney diseases. Therefore, medical practitioners needed to prioritize diabetes patients when managing COVID-19. Moreover, diabetes patients needed to be considered for COVID-19 vaccination. The article is significant for highlighting how COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus are related and harmful to patients.
Pathophysiology Relevance
The pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus in the wake of COVID-19 serves various importance for medical practitioners. Firstly, it helps understand the risk factors associated with diabetes during COVID-19. Consequently, the caregivers can help the victims avoid instances of contracting COVID-19. Secondly, the pathophysiology is vital for healthcare organizations since they can make informed decisions on managing COVID-19 victims (Lim et al., 2020). Lastly, the pathophysiology is important for policy formulation on the distribution and management of COVID-19 vaccines. Policymakers can formulate policies that prioritize diabetes patients in vaccine administration. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus is significant for patient management and control of risk factors.
Key Points to Share in Class
Three key points are evidence from the article and can be shared in class. Firstly, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases are risk factors that increase COVID-19. Secondly, glucose homeostasis, inflammation, altered immune status, and activation of the renin-angiotensin–aldosterone system is potential pathogenetic links between COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus (Lim et al., 2020). Lastly, dipeptidyl peptidase-4-inhibitors and insulin can be used safely in patients with diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 (Lim et al., 2020). The key points are crucial for further research on the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus and COVID-19.
Ethical Considerations
Managing diabetes mellitus among COVID-19 patients involves various social and ethical considerations. The study helps clinicians prioritize the interests and safety of diabetes patients. According to the Liam et al. (2020), medical doctors and nurses should always operate for their patient’s safety. The ethical consideration exhibited in the study is non-maleficence and beneficence. While non-maleficence is the act of not harming patients, beneficence is doing good for them. Therefore, nurses and other medical practitioners can adopt ethical conduct for patients’ safety.
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus symptoms can worsen the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients. Although insufficient research has been conducted on the pathogenetic relationship between the two conditions, they are severe when attacking the same victim. The relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus make it crucial for healthcare organization to manage their effects. Therefore, prioritizing diabetes mellitus patients, suffering from COVID-19, helps reduce mortality rate.
Reference
Lim, S., Bae, J. H., Kwon, H.-S., & Nauck, M. A. (2020). COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus: From pathophysiology to clinical management. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 1–20. Web.