Effects of Metformin, Insulin on Hematological Parameters of COVID-19 Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection caused by SARS-COV-2 can result in multi-organ injuries and significant mortality in severe and critical patients, particularly those with type 2 diabetes as a comorbidity. Metformin and insulin are the main diabetes medications that affect the outcome of patients with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to find out the features of the hematological indicators of patients with COVID-19 patients and type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the hospital confirmed COVID-19 patients between January to March 2022, who were admitted to Transcarpathian Regional Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital (Uzhhorod, Ukraine). RESULTS: The effect of type 2 diabetes, metformin, and insulin on COVID-19 were analyzed, respectively. Demographics and blood laboratory indices were collected. In patients who took metformin, the level of CRP was significantly lower than in patients who did not take metformin (24 mg/L [IQR 15 - 58] vs 52 mg/L, [IQR 22–121], P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that pre-admission metformin use may benefit COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes.