Diabetes is dynamite for person with Covid: Ex-WHO advisor

New Delhi, June 30 Between 30-40 per cent of deaths from studies in intensive care units from different countries are people with diabetes, said Paul Zimmet, Professor of Diabetes, Monash University, Australia.

Zimmet, who is President International Diabetes Federation, added that the actual mechanism as to why Covid-19 may cause diabetes is as yet unknown, however, several possibilities exist. "COVID-19 is a very destructive and cunning virus and causes terrible damage to tissues including the lungs and pancreas," said Zimmet. Below are excerpts from an exclusive chat with .

Q: Why do you say Diabetes is dynamite if a person has been infected with COVID-19?

A: There have been many deaths in many countries, e.g. Italy, China, the UK and US among people with diabetes after infection with COVID-19

( With inputs from IANS )