Prevalence of new‐onset diabetes following COVID ‐19 infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Aim To estimate the prevalence of new‐onset diabetes in adults (≥ 18 years) following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Materials and Methods This meta‐analysis includes studies written in English that measured the number of adults (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with diabetes following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Studies underwent dual independent review; quality was assessed by using the New Castle Ottawa Scale. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was conducted to obtain the pooled estimate of new‐onset diabetes. To understand the relationship between patient characteristics (age, sex) and study variable (duration of follow‐up), a random effects meta‐regression was used. Results A total of 33 articles were retained for analysis. The overall estimated prevalence of new‐onset diabetes (combined T1DM and T2DM or undefined) was 8.33% (95% CI 7.47, 9.18%, z = 19.04, p < 0.001; Q = 6791.24, I 2 , 99.68%). The overall estimated prevalence of new‐onset T2DM in COVID‐19 was 8.92% (95% CI 7.88%, 9.96%, z = 16.77, p < 0.001; Q = 27659.74; p < 0.001, I 2 = 99.96%). The overall estimated prevalence of new‐onset T1DM was 0.86% (95% CI 0.0072%, 0.0099%, z = 12.59, p < 0.001; Q = 9456.28; p < 0.001, I 2 = 99.94%). At the study level, there was no significant relationship identified with age, sex, or follow‐up duration. Conclusions This systematic review and meta‐analysis revealed a notable increase in T2DM or combined (T1DM, T2DM, or undefined) conditions. As such, it may be important to understand the underlying factors contributing to increased prevalence.