Diabetes Mellitus Exacerbates COVID-19 Severity and Prolongs Recovery: A Clinical Study from Southern Iraq

Authors

• Hussein Ali Hussein Al-Hchaimi, College of Health and Medical Technology, Al-Ayen Iraqi University, Al-Ayen Street, Nasiriyah, Thi-Qar, 64001, IraqFollow
• Mohammad Ali Hassan Jassim, College of Health and Medical Technology, Al-Ayen Iraqi University, Al-Ayen Street, Nasiriyah, Thi-Qar, 64001, Iraq
• Mustafa Abbass, Department of Cancer Biology, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Campus, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
• Shahab Abdulla, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, Queensland, 4350, Australia
• Ralela Makline, Department of Health and Social Development, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 4P3, Canada

Corresponding Author

Hussein Ali Hussein Al-Hchaimi

Authors ORCID

Hussein Ali Hussein Al-Hchaimi: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4475-7307

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) constitutes one of the most consequential comorbidities shaping the clinical trajectory of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), operating through intersecting mechanisms of chronic inflammation, endothelial injury, and immunosuppression that collectively amplify viral pathogenicity. This study investigated the impact of diabetes type on COVID-19 symptom severity, hospitalization duration, and recovery time among patients in Nasiriyah City, southern Iraq — a region substantially underrepresented in the global DM–COVID-19 literature. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across healthcare facilities in Nasiriyah City from 2023 to 2024. A total of 150 hospitalized adult patients carrying confirmed diagnoses of both COVID-19 and type 1 or type 2 diabetes were enrolled through convenience sampling. Structured questionnaires and verified hospital medical records captured demographic data, symptom profiles, glycemic management, hospitalization duration, and recovery outcomes. Chi-square and independent t-tests examined between-group associations; significance was set at p < 0.05. Type 2 diabetes predominated (66.7%). Fatigue (86.7%), fever (80.0%), and cough (73.3%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Diabetes type was significantly associated with COVID-19 severity (χ² = 12.45, p = 0.002), hospitalization duration (χ² = 7.89, p = 0.006), and recovery time (χ² = 4.67, p = 0.035). Over half (53.3%) of participants reported subjectively worsened COVID-19 symptoms attributable to their diabetes. Diabetes — particularly type 2 — significantly worsens COVID-19 outcomes in this southern Iraqi cohort. Optimized glycemic control upon admission and targeted care protocols for diabetic COVID-19 patients represent urgent clinical priorities for resource-limited healthcare settings.

Recommended Citation

Al-Hchaimi, Hussein Ali Hussein; Jassim, Mohammad Ali Hassan; Abbass, Mustafa; Abdulla, Shahab; and Makline, Ralela (2026), Diabetes Mellitus Exacerbates COVID-19 Severity and Prolongs Recovery: A Clinical Study from Southern Iraq, AUIQ Complementary Biological System: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, 86-93.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70176/3007-973X.1070
Available at: https://acbs.alayen.edu.iq/journal/vol3/iss2/9

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.70176/3007-973X.1070