RECURRENT HYPOGLYCAEMIA IN AN OLDER INDIVIDUAL WITH COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) emerged as a deadly pandemic overburdening healthcare system globally. While people of all ages were affected, the older population has faced disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality, likely due to altered immune responses and pre-existing comorbid conditions like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic pulmonary and kidney disease. Clinical manifestations in older patients may also be atypical with absence of fever, increased chances of acute confusion and longer recovery times. While other parameters of disease severity have been found, poor glycaemic control is another indicator of severity in COVID 19 infection. Moreover, older patients with diabetes mellitus are also at risk of hypoglycaemia which increases the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, progression of dementia, falls, emergency department visits and hospitalization. Here we share a case of an older man with COVID-19 infection who presented primarily with recurrent hypoglycaemia and weakness. This case also highlights the social impact of an infection that has decimated support systems for vulnerable older adults.