Covid-19 a Strong Predictor of Hyperglycaemia Among Ugandan Patients: A Retrospective Study

Background: Hyperglycemia is one of the common complications in COVID-19 patients. Globally, hyperglycemia associated with COVID-19 was estimated to be 25%. Hyperglycemia results in increased morbidity and mortality yet proper screening and management protocols in developing countries. There is paucity of data in developing countries. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hyperglycemia, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of COVID-19 admitted patients in Mbale and Soroti regional referral hospitals - Uganda. Methodology: Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on adult admitted COVID-19 patient’s case files at two tertiary hospitals, in Eastern Uganda. 711 COVID-19 patient files with a capillary blood glucose test result during the study period from 1st March 2020 to 31st December 2021 were reviewed. Data was abstracted into a data collection tool specifically designed for this study. The variables included socio-demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcome status of the patients. Hyperglycaemia was defined based on the COVID-19 management algorithm as capillary blood glucose readings >11.1 mmol/l at or during admission, with the aid of the Glucometer One-Touch©. A primary outcome was hyperglycaemia in hospitalised patients. The Chi-Squared test was used for bivariate analysis, while the logistic regression model was applied for multivariate analysis. Results: Overall, hyperglycaemia was detected in 459 out of 711 (65%) patients. Living in rural areas (AOR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.7, P < 0.027), having a medical history of diabetes mellitus (AOR 4.8, 95% CI: 3.4-6.7, P < 0.001), and current use of steroids (AOR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.8-4.7, P < 0.001) immediately before admission were statistically significantly associated with hyperglycemia in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 found to be an independent risk factor for Hyperglycaemia. Conclusion: The prevalence of hyperglycaemia among COVID-19 patients in eastern Uganda during the global epidemic was high, at 65%. Pre-admission conditions associated with hyperglycaemia included a medical history of diabetes mellitus, steroid use, living in rural area. Strengthening screening for hyperglycemia and specific management protocols during epidemics and pandemics is recommended