Title:Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a Leading Risk Factor for Mucormycosis
(Black Fungus), during the Era of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19):
An Overview
Volume: 19
Issue: 1
Author(s): Nadeem Rais*, Rizwan Ahmad, Akash Ved, Kehkashan Parveen, Darakhshan Gazala Bari and Om Prakash
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy, Bhagwant University, Ajmer, Rajasthan-305004, India
- Department of Pharmacy, Vivek
College of Technical Education, Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh-246701, India
Keywords:
Diabetic ketoacidosis, mucormycosis, COVID-19, corticosteroid, black fungus, diabetes.
Abstract:
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and steroid medication, coincided with coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19), results in a weakened immune system, allowing some commonly
found pathogens to become more harmful. Mucormycosis (black fungus) is a type of opportunistic
infection caused by fungi belonging to the Mucorales family. DM is the most prominent risk factor
for mucormycosis. Excessive blood sugar and decreased insulin levels lead to diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA), a devastating complication of DM that can be fatal if left untreated.
Methods: Diabetic ketoacidosis is more common in type 1 diabetic patients, although it can also be
fall in type 2 diabetic patients. DKA occurs when the body lacks enough insulin to allow blood
sugar to enter the cells and is used for energy. Instead, the liver breaks down fat for fuel-producing
chemicals known as ketones.
Results: When too many ketones are created too quickly, they can reach dangerously high levels in
the body. Mucormycosis is a rare but serious infectious disease that requires medication or surgical
removal.
Conclusion: The confluence of diabetes and COVID-19 makes managing mucormycosis a serious
and dead issue. Although the effectiveness of prophylactic antifungal therapy has yet to be demonstrated,
hyperglycemia control appears to be the most important step in managing mucormycosis in
DKA patients.
