Diabetes treatment may protect against COVID-19 mortality

 In a new study, the medication metformin significantly reduced the risk of death from COVID-19 in people with diabetes.

• Upon analyzing data from a diverse patient population, the researchers found that individuals who had been taking metformin, a drug for type 2 diabetes, were less likely to die of COVID-19 than those not on metformin.
• Their study also highlighted the fact that Black people made up a disproportionate number of those who tested positive for COVID-19.
• According to the researchers, this disparity is likely due to socioeconomic factors, lack of access to healthcare, and a higher risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 among Black populations.

Researchers have found that people with diabetes undergoing treatment with the medication metformin are at significantly less risk of death due to COVID-19 compared with those not taking the medication.

The study, which appears in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology, also found that African American study participants were disproportionately more likely to contract the virus than white participants.

Source: Medical News Today