Integrated Nutritional Supports for Diabetic Patients During COVID-19 Infection: A Comprehensive Review

Curr Diabetes Rev. 2022;18(3):e022821191889. doi: 10.2174/1573399817666210301103233.

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine metabolic disorder, which affects the major organs in human and comorbid with others. Besides, diabetic patients are more prone to various infectious diseases as well as COVID-19 sporadic infection which is a high risk for patients with diabetes mellitus. To combat these infections and comorbid situations, an integrated balanced nutritional supportive could help in maintaining sound health and increase immunity for prevention and management of such type of viral infections.

Objectives: While information regarding nutritional supports in COVID-19 pandemic in diabetic patients is not available, this review aimed to accumulate the evidence from previous publications where studied about nutrition-based supports or interventions for viral diseases with special emphasis on respiratory infections.

Methods: For reviewing, searches are done for getting journal articles into Google Scholar, Pub Med/Medline, Database of Open Access Journal and Science Direct for relevant data and information.

Results: Integrated nutritional supports of both macronutrients and micronutrients guidelines, including home-based physical exercise schedule, is summarized in this comprehensive review for possible prevention and management of diabetic patients in COVID-19 infections. The immuneboosting benefits of some vitamins, trace elements, nutraceuticals and probiotics in viral infections of diabetic patients are also included.

Conclusion: There is an urgent need for a healthy diet and integrated nutritional supports with home-based physical activities for diabetic patients during the self-isolation period of COVID-19 Infection.

Keywords: COVID-19 infection; Integrated nutrition; diabetes; home-based physical exercise; immune boosting; self-isolation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Humans
  • Nutritional Support
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Virus Diseases*