The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our lives in countless ways, bringing new challenges and uncertainties — especially for people living with chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes. If you or a loved one has type 1 diabetes, you might be wondering how COVID-19 impacts your health and what extra precautions you need to take.

In this article, we explain how COVID-19 may impact people with type 1 diabetes, whether they are more likely to contract the virus or have severe outcomes, and whether there is evidence that COVID-19 could trigger the onset of type 1 diabetes.

Are People With Type 1 Diabetes More Likely To Contract COVID-19?

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the coronavirus), which spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Anyone can catch COVID-19, but certain factors can increase the risk.

People with type 1 diabetes are not necessarily more likely to contract COVID-19 simply because they have diabetes. Instead, the likelihood of catching COVID-19 is more closely related to factors like exposure to infected individuals, adherence to preventive measures (like wearing masks and hand hygiene), and overall health status.

Studies thus far haven’t had enough data to show whether people with diabetes have a higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19 compared to the general population. This means that having type 1 diabetes alone may not increase the chance of catching the virus. Nevertheless, it is crucial to follow public health guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure.

Do People With Type 1 Diabetes Have More Severe Outcomes From COVID-19?

While having diabetes does not increase the risk of contracting COVID-19, it can affect the severity of the disease. Research has shown that individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of severe illness if they do contract COVID-19.

Severe illness can include complications such as pneumonia and the need for intensive care, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening. Several factors contribute to this increased risk, including the following.

Blood Glucose Control

People with type 1 diabetes who have poor blood glucose (blood sugar) control may face a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. If you are hospitalized with a severe case of COVID-19, you should know that the treatment can cause higher blood sugar levels, especially IV glucocorticoids. Your doctor will most likely increase your insulin doses and require a glycemic profile during the hospitalization.

Diabetes-Related Complications

People with long-term diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, or nerve damage are more vulnerable to severe illness if they contract COVID-19.

Inflammation and Immune Response

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system mistakes its own cells for foreign invaders and launches an attack against them. COVID-19 can cause an exaggerated immune response in some individuals, leading to more severe inflammation and complications.

Can COVID-19 Trigger the Onset of Type 1 Diabetes?

Researchers have been investigating whether COVID-19 can trigger the onset of type 1 diabetes. Some studies suggest that viral infections can be a trigger for type 1 diabetes in people who are already at risk because of their genes.

A few recent studies have reported an increase in new cases of type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. These studies suggest that the virus might trigger the autoimmune response that leads to type 1 diabetes.

One idea is that the virus could directly damage the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Another possibility is that COVID-19 might cause the immune system to overreact and mistakenly attack these cells, thinking they are harmful.

Following is a closer look at some of the theories and findings.

Direct Viral Damage

Some scientists believe that the coronavirus might directly infect and damage the beta cells in the pancreas. These cells are responsible for producing insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels. If the virus damages these cells, it could lead to type 1 diabetes.

Immune System Overreaction

Another theory is that the virus might cause the immune system to become hyperactive. In people with type 1 diabetes, the immune system already attacks the body’s own cells by mistake. COVID-19 might make this attack worse, leading to faster destruction of the beta cells.

Genetic Predisposition

People who are genetically predisposed to type 1 diabetes might be more vulnerable to these triggers. This means that if someone has the genes that put them at risk for the condition, a COVID-19 infection might be enough to push their immune system to start attacking the pancreas. However, this can happen with many other viral infections, not just COVID-19.

Several studies have shown an uptick in type 1 diabetes diagnoses during the pandemic. For example, one study found that children were being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at higher rates during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years. This suggests there might be a connection between the virus and the onset of type 1 diabetes.

However, it’s important to note that these findings are still under investigation. Scientists need more research to confirm whether COVID-19 can indeed trigger type 1 diabetes. Other factors could also explain the increase of diagnoses during the pandemic.

For instance, the stress and changes in daily life caused by pandemic lockdowns and other precautions might have made it harder for people to get regular medical care. This could have led to delays in diagnosing type 1 diabetes, causing more severe cases to appear when they were finally identified.

Additionally, the overall stress and changes in routine during the pandemic might have affected the immune systems of people who were already at risk for type 1 diabetes. Stress can impact the body in many ways, and it might have contributed to the increase in diagnoses.

While some evidence suggests that COVID-19 might trigger the onset of type 1 diabetes, more research is needed to understand this link fully. Scientists are working hard to study this potential connection and find out exactly how the virus might influence the development of type 1 diabetes. For now, it’s important for people with type 1 diabetes or those at risk to take precautions to avoid COVID-19 and seek medical advice if they have concerns about their health.

5 Ways To Protect Yourself From COVID-19

If you have type 1 diabetes, talking to your health care provider about protecting yourself from COVID-19 is crucial. Following are some recommendations.

1. Follow Public Health Guidelines

The situation with COVID-19 is constantly evolving. Stay up to date with the risks in your area and follow public health guidelines. This may include wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing. It’s always important to practice good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of respiratory infections and other illnesses. This also applies to outbreaks of influenza, which can sometimes be just as dangerous as a COVID-19 infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides up-to-date information on COVID-19, including guidelines for people with chronic conditions. You can also stay informed about local COVID-19 trends and guidelines from your local health department.

2. Monitor Blood Glucose Levels

Keep your blood glucose levels within your target range. Good blood sugar control can help strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of severe illness if you contract COVID-19.

3. Stay Informed About Vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective for people with type 1 diabetes. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of severe illness and complications. Stay up to date with the latest vaccine recommendations, and get vaccinated as advised by your health care provider.

4. Manage Diabetes-Related Complications

If you have existing complications related to your diabetes, work with your health care team to manage them effectively. This can help reduce the risk of severe outcomes if you contract COVID-19.

5. Seek Medical Advice Early

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice early. Early intervention can help manage the illness and prevent complications. If you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your health care provider for guidance and support.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myT1Dteam, the social network for people living with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones, more than 3,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand what it’s like living with type 1 diabetes.

Have you gotten COVID-19? How has it affected you? Share your experience in a comment below, or start a conversation on your Activities page.