A team from Weill Cornell Medicine has found out how COVID-19 can trigger diabetes or worsen it in people who already have it. The virus activates immune cells that attack the pancreas, especially the cells that make insulin, known as beta (β) cells. This study was published in Cell Stem Cell on Sept. 2.
Key Findings
- COVID-19 makes immune cells attack β cells, which make insulin.
- Without enough insulin, the body can’t control blood sugar, leading to diabetes.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Organs
Doctors noticed early in the pandemic that COVID-19 doesn’t just harm the lungs but also damages organs like the heart, liver, colon, and pancreas. The researchers studied pancreatic tissue from people who died of COVID-19 and found that the pancreatic islets were damaged. Using advanced tools, they found immune cells called proinflammatory macrophages were involved in this damage.
How Macrophages Work
- Macrophages usually fight infections but can sometimes hurt healthy cells too.
- In this case, the macrophages were killing β cells through a process called pyroptosis.
Future Implications
This research might help doctors find treatments to protect the pancreas in severe COVID-19 cases. It could also explain why some people develop long COVID, which can cause ongoing health problems after the infection.