Children and teens who are infected with COVID-19 are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with other respiratory diseases, according to new research. The study published in JAMA Network Open said that more than 50 percent of children are more likely to be diagnosed with high blood sugar levels within six months of having a coronavirus infection.

It is relatively less likely to occur in other people affected by seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis.

After Covid-19, the risk of developing diabetes in obese children is 100 percent.

However, researchers have also made a shocking discovery that the odds skyrocket for obese children – who are 100 percent more likely to develop the debilitating disease.

For the study, scientists employed the health records of more than 60,000 children aged 10-19 from January 2020 to December 2022, before the coronavirus was declared a pandemic. The records were then classified into two groups – one for those who tested positive for COVID-19, and the other for those with all other respiratory illnesses. From there, all correlations with a positive diabetes diagnosis were noted and studied.

Researchers say some of the health records came before COVID-10 vaccines were made available to children — dating back to October 2021. The research did not take into account whether the subjects received the vaccine or not.

How does COVID-19 cause diabetes in children?

According to experts, the virus can affect blood sugar metabolism and people who are more prone to diabetes may be especially sensitive to these physical changes. Increased rates of type 2 diabetes are also linked to inflammation and changes in the immune system.

Indirect effects of COVID-19 are also linked to diabetes, such as stress and isolation – both of which increase insulin resistance. Apart from these issues, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits during the pandemic can also play a significant role in increasing the chances of children developing diabetes.

According to previous studies, COVID-19 leads to the development of type 2 diabetes through various mechanisms, some of which include:

• attack pancreas cells
• High blood sugar due to cytokine storm, which is a severe reaction of the immune system
• Changes in glucose metabolism due to infection

Are children with diabetes at higher risk of COVID-19 complications?

Children who have type 2 diabetes are at slightly higher risk for severe disease and complications from COVID-19, as this may increase the likelihood of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality associated with the viral infection.

COVID-19 also makes it difficult to control blood sugar levels — and is linked to serious infections.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.