Post-COVID-19: effects on mental health and metabolic markers in type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background. This study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on both mental well-being and biological parameters of patients with type 2 diabetes, highlighting the potential long-term effects.

Methods. A longitudinal observational study was conducted on a total of 62 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We used two validated questionnaires: the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5) and the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS). Biological data were extracted from medical records. We had two-point evaluations, in 2023 and 2024. Patients were divided into three groups based on the year of COVID-19 diagnosis: 2020, 2021, 2022. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, with results presented as percentages and associations. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the Kruskal–Wali’s test, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ) were applied for non-normally distributed variables. Analyses were performed using Jamovi 3.2.28. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results. There were 24 (38.7%) females, and 38 (61.3%) males. The mean age was 66.5 years. From the medical history, regarding COVID-19 severity, 7 (11.3%) of cases were classified as mild 29 (46.8%) as moderate, and 26 (41.9%) as severe. WHO-5 scores increased from a mean of 42.5 from 2023 to 51.2 in 2024, indicating improved psychological well-being over time. A significant reduction in diabetes-related emotional distress was observed (p < 0.001). Regimen-related distress scores showed a small but significant decrease from 2023 to 2024 (p = 0.004). A statistically significant correlation was observed between WHO-5 score (2023) and LDL cholesterol (2024) (ρ = 0.629, p = 0.02). Descriptive statistics showed that mean HDL cholesterol values vary with COVID-19 severity levels.

Conclusion. Psychological well-being showed an improvement over time. Emotional distress related to diabetes, including emotional burden and regimen-related distress decreased with time. Serum LDL- and HDL cholesterol levels may play a potential role in supporting psychological well-being. This study reinforces the importance of holistic approaches in managing post-COVID-19 effects, especially in patients with pre-existing metabolic disorders.