Insulin resistance and COVID-19
COVID-19 is more severe in elderly adults and/or patients with comorbidities, such as diabetes, obesity or hypertension, suggesting a role for insulin resistance.18 Although differences exist between countries, the same risk factors for severity were found globally, suggesting common mechanisms. A strong relationship between hyperglycemia, impaired insulin pathway, and cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes is linked to oxidative stress and inflammation.19 Lipid metabolism has an important role to play in obesity, in diabetes and its multi-morbidities, and in ageing.20 The increased severity of COVID-19 in diabetes, hypertension, obese or elderly individuals may be related to insulin resistance, with oxidative stress as a common pathway.21