Top 5 Takeaways

1. Increased Diabetes Risk: Persons aged <18 years with COVID-19 were more likely to receive a new diabetes diagnosis >30 days after infection compared to those without COVID-19 and those with prepandemic acute respiratory infections.
2. Comparison of Databases: The study used two databases, IQVIA and HealthVerity, both showing a higher incidence of diabetes among COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19 patients.
3. Diabetes Incidence Rates: Diabetes incidence was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group (316 per 100,000 person-years in IQVIA and 399 per 100,000 person-years in HealthVerity) compared to non-COVID-19 groups.
4. Potential Mechanisms: The mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 might lead to diabetes include direct attack on pancreatic cells, stress hyperglycemia, and pandemic-associated increases in body mass index.
5. Public Health Implications: The findings highlight the importance of COVID-19 prevention strategies, including vaccination and chronic disease management, for persons aged <18 years.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Sharon Saydah, ssaydah@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Barrett CE, Koyama AK, Alvarez P, et al. Risk for Newly Diagnosed Diabetes >30 Days After SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Persons Aged <18 Years — United States, March 1, 2020–June 28, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:59–65. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7102e2

Summary

This study evaluated the risk of new diabetes diagnoses in persons aged <18 years following SARS-CoV-2 infection using two U.S. medical claims databases, IQVIA and HealthVerity. The results indicated a significantly higher incidence of diabetes among those who had COVID-19 compared to those without COVID-19 and those with prepandemic acute respiratory infections. The findings underscore the importance of COVID-19 prevention and chronic disease management in this age group.

Methods

Retrospective cohorts were constructed using IQVIA and HealthVerity databases. Patients aged <18 years with a COVID-19 diagnosis were compared to those without COVID-19 and those with prepandemic acute respiratory infections. Incident diabetes was defined as one or more health care claims with a diabetes diagnosis occurring >30 days after the index date. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios for diabetes risk.

Discussion

The study found a significant association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new diabetes diagnoses in persons aged <18 years. The mechanisms behind this association may include direct viral effects on pancreatic cells, stress hyperglycemia, and increased body mass index during the pandemic. The findings are consistent with previous research in adults and highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and prevention strategies.

Conclusion

The increased risk of diabetes following SARS-CoV-2 infection in persons aged <18 years emphasizes the importance of COVID-19 prevention, including vaccination and chronic disease management. Health care providers should be vigilant in screening for diabetes symptoms in this population. Further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of COVID-19-associated diabetes.

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