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