Background

There is an increased number of patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) among patients with COVID-19 infection. Data showed poor prognosis and complications and need for further investigation. 

Aim

To study mortality and other indicators related to poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and IGT.

Methods and material

Consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with and without IGT were followed up for 2 years. Impaired glucose tolerance was assessed based on blood glucose levels and HbA1c. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0.

Results

Fifty-two patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and IGT (IGT group) were matched by age and gender with 52 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (non-IGT group 2). Mean age was 68±13 years. Men prevailed with 63,4%. In hospital mortality was 9,6% in non-IGT group and 24,5% in IGT group (p<0,001, OR 3,0;95%CI 1,0-9,4). Two years follow up showed mortality in both groups as follows: 6,4% in non-IGT group and 13,5% in IGT group (p<0,05, OR 2,3;95%CI 0,5-10,3).

During the first year of follow up 9.6% from non-IGT group and 18,4% from IGT group were hospitalized due to post-COVID complications (p<0,05). IGT group had also longer mean hospital stay (11 vs 9, p<0,05). There were no significant differences in both groups based on comorbidities. Only 25% of the patients in IGT group remain with IGT at the end of the study.

Conclusion

Impaired glucose tolerance added additional burden to patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and correlated with poor prognosis and increased mortality.