The different courses of corona infections have so far puzzled researchers.
Now Swiss scientists have been able to determine a risk factor.
Geneva - Nobody is immune from infection with the coronavirus *.
Whether old, young, fit or untrained - the course of the disease was often very different.
So far, doctors and researchers have not been able to identify any pattern or factor that influences the course.
A team of researchers from Switzerland has now achieved a breakthrough.
Coronavirus: Increasing risk from high blood sugar levels
The researchers found evidence that "elevated blood sugar levels are related to every major step in the virus' s life cycle, disease progression and the appearance of symptoms."
According to the study "A Machine-Generated View of the Role of Blood Glucose Levels in the Severity of COVID-19", an elevated blood sugar level offers ideal conditions for the coronavirus.
The researchers examined around 240,000 articles and studies from the Corona database using artificial intelligence.
Elevated blood sugar promotes the spread of the coronavirus in the body
The increased blood sugar level ensures that the coronavirus * can bypass and weaken the first level of the immune system in the lungs.
Then it gains access to deep alveoli, binds to the ACE2 receptor and finally penetrates the lung cells.
An increased blood sugar level also accelerates the replication of the virus in the cells, increases cell death and thereby triggers an inflammatory reaction in the lungs.
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X-rays of the lungs of a corona patient.
(Symbol image)
© Remko De Waal / dpa
An already weakened immune system has nothing to do with it and is overwhelmed.
Blood sugar
Blood sugar is the amount of sugar in the blood and at the same time an important supplier of energy, including for the brain.
If the blood sugar level is permanently elevated, one speaks of diabetes *.
Usually, in a healthy person, it is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dl).
This value can change after meals, but it levels off again.
Coronavirus: blood sugar level is an important factor
The researchers come to the conclusion that an increased blood sugar level can significantly influence the course of an illness.
This can explain a "large part of the differences in the severity of the disease in the population".
To minimize the risk of a severe course, the blood sugar level should be monitored and lowered if necessary.
Lower blood sugar levels to lower the risk of severe corona disease
If you are overweight, you can quickly lower your blood sugar level by reducing your body weight.
In general, physical activity is a good way to keep the value in the normal range.
Experts also recommend eating a low-carb diet.
In fact, some foods are particularly good at getting your blood sugar under control.
These include fish, green leafy vegetables, nuts, cinnamon, berries, as well as grapefruit and onions.
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List of rubric lists: © Remko De Waal / dpa
