Based on the press release of Dr. dr. Rona Kartika, M. Biomed
Jakarta, April 1, 2025 – The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on global health, including an increased risk of diabetes in COVID-19 survivors. Recent research shows that individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 are more likely to experience metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, one of the causes of type 2 diabetes mellitus. One of the doctoral students in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, dr. Rona Kartika, M.Biomed, conducted a study on risk factors for increased insulin resistance within 1 year after COVID-19. This study is part of the COVID-19, Aging and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors (CARAMEL) study, conducted by the Metabolic and Vascular Aging (MVA) Cluster of IMERI FKUI in collaboration with the Division of Endocrine Metabolic and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine Clinic, FKUI/Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. “Our team found that there was an increase in HOMA-IR, a marker of insulin resistance, of more than 21% in 1 year in COVID-19 survivors, especially obese individuals who had ‘newly diagnosed’ diabetes during COVID-19 (87%) and people with diabetes (59%),” said Dr. Rona Kartika. Obesity is one of the main causes of increased insulin resistance. In addition to obesity, this increase in insulin resistance is also caused by dysfunction of SARS-CoV-2-specific T lymphocyte cells. “Increased body composition, such as body fat proportion, fat/muscle ratio, and deep abdominal fat for 12 months after COVID-19 triggers inflammatory conditions in the body. This condition triggers T cells to dysfunction so that it can worsen systemic inflammation in the body. This systemic inflammation is closely related to increased insulin resistance,” explained Dr. Rona Kartika.
Long-Term Impact and At-Risk Populations
The study found that the risk of post-COVID-19 insulin resistance was higher in groups with certain risk factors, such as:
1. Individu dengan riwayat obesitas
2. Individuals with history of diabetes and ‘newly diagnosed’ diabetes during COVID-19
3. Individuals with increased body fat 12 months post-COVID-19
4. Individuals with higher T cell dysfunction followed by impaired inflammatory response
Increased insulin resistance after COVID-19 not only has an impact on increasing the risk of diabetes, but also has the potential to cause a decrease in macrophage function in maintaining the body’s immunity and responding to vaccination, especially the COVID-19 vaccine. “We also found that macrophages supplemented with secretion media from white blood cells, turned out to have low antigen presentation capabilities and produced low anti-inflammatory products. This can have an impact on disrupting macrophage function as immune cells and an inadequate response to vaccination,” added Dr. Rona Kartika.
Prevention and Mitigation Steps
To reduce the risk of insulin resistance after COVID-19, researchers recommend several preventive steps, including:
1. Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet low in sugar and high in fiber
2. Physical Activity: Exercise regularly to reduce body fat, especially deep belly fat
3. Routine Check-ups: Monitor blood sugar levels regularly, especially for those who have risk factors
4. Stress Management: Manage stress well to prevent hormone spikes that can affect blood sugar levels
Appeal to Health Workers and the Community
Appeal to Health Workers and the PublicHealth workers and policy makers in the health sector are encouraged to raise awareness of the increased risk of diabetes post-COVID-19. The public is encouraged to take preventive measures and early detection of diabetes to reduce the long-term health impacts of this pandemic.