1Cademy - The Pathophysiology of Diabetes in Relation to COVID-19

Concept

The Pathophysiology of Diabetes in Relation to COVID-19

Individuals with diabetes tend to have an increased expression of ACE-2, which may put them at a greater risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Diabetes causes an increase in furin, a type-1 membrane-bound protease that is involved in the entry of coronaviruses into the cell. This increase in furin may facilitate viral replication.
Impaired T-cell function in patients with diabetes may lead to an inability to fight off the infection.
Interleukin-6 (a protein important in cell signaling), is increased in individuals with diabetes and in those with COVID-19; overexpression of IL-6 results in inflammation (tocilizumab is being tested as a possible antibody against IL-6 receptors)