Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread illness and death globally. Hyperglycemia, even in individuals without diabetes, is commonly observed in COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hyperglycemia among non-diabetic COVID-19 patients and explore its association with disease severity.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (January to June 2021) at Al-Shifaa 14 Hospital in Kirkuk, Iraq. A total of 250 non-diabetic COVID-19 patients were included using a convenient sampling method. Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical assessment, RT-PCR, and CT imaging. Disease severity was categorized according to Iraqi Ministry of Health guidelines.
Result: Hyperglycemia was observed in 8% of patients. Disease severity was distributed as mild (27.2%), moderate (13.6%), and severe (59.2%). Patients with severe COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of random blood glucose and HbA1c (p < 0.001). Factors significantly associated with severe disease included older age, unemployment, marital status, existing co-morbidities, and pregnancy.
Conclusions: Hyperglycemia is present in a subset of non-diabetic COVID-19 patients and is significantly associated with increased disease severity. Monitoring blood glucose may aid in early identification of patients at risk for severe outcomes.