Assessment of COVID-19 infection in patients with T2DM who were taking hydroxychloroquine as an glucose lowering drug

Introduction: Initial studies found Underlying uncontrolled diabetes mellitus can be considered risk factors for increased increased severity and mortality for COVID-19 HCQ already approved as anti diabetic and had established prophylactic action in COVID-19 Objectives: To asses the Covid-19 infection in patients with T2DM who were taking Hydroxychloroquine as an glucose lowering drug Methods: A total of 890 respondents who was taking HCQ as a glucose lowering therapy for more than 6 months, participated in this survey All categorical variables were expressed as numbers and percentages using line charts and tables This is a single-arm cohort study and does not involve a comparison of two groups or subgroup analysis It was ensured that all respondents were undergone ophthalmology examination and present with no retinal abnormality Results: 780 respondents has confirmed that they didn't develop any symptoms like fever, sore throat, dry cough, Loss of smell and taste or breathlessness 110 patients were tested positive in RT-PCR method None of the patient experienced any episode of arrhythmia during HCQ treatment Among this positive patients 33 (30%) belongs to containment zone as declared by the local authorities Only 18 patients developed respiratory distressed 8 was managed at home quarantine and 10 were hospitalised No death reported Participants reported their glycemic parameters as HbA1c 7 2±0 8%, FBG 109±11 7 mg/dl & PPBG 149 ± 22 6 mg/dl Conclusion: HCQ appears to be a safe anti diabetic option in people with diabetes during COVID 19 pandemic