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Half of Houstonians who died of COVID-19 had diabetes, a Houston Health Department review concluded late last month.

The virus killed more than 3,600 city residents as of November, nearly 52 percent of whom had diabetes, according to health department data. One quarter were obese.

Stephen Williams, director of the Houston Health Department, said the findings are not surprising, given the citys high rate of diabetes. The chronic endocrine condition, which results from too much sugar in the bloodstream, is more prevalent in Houston than most other major cities. Diabetics account for 13.5 percent of the Houston-area population; the national average is 10 percent.

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People with underlying health conditions, including diabetes, are more vulnerable to severe outcomes if they get COVID-19, Williams said.

The prevalence of diabetics among the citys COVID dead may help explain why the virus has disproportionately sickened and killed minorities, said Dr. Luis Ostrosky, chief of infectious diseases with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and Memorial Hermann. Racial and ethnic minorities are more susceptible to diabetes, in part due to what researchers believe are biological differences in insulin secretion and obesity rates.

We have large Hispanic and African American populations, as well as some Asian populations, that are prone to diabetes, Ostrosky said. That the chronic condition played a role in half of Houstons COVID deaths is perhaps a function of our racial and ethnic make-up.

While diabetics have extra cause for concern should they contract the virus, the infectious disease specialist urged anyone with underlying conditions to protect themselves with vaccines and diligent masking. People with diabetes, heart problems, neurological conditions or other complications have a lower reserve for dealing with the infection and inflammation that characterize COVID, he said.

Williams, of the city health department, said the clear connection between diabetes and fatal COVID highlights the need for more public education.

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In some communities, diabetes is not taken seriously, the health director said. Oftentimes multi-generations have it, and its considered just a little sugar or whatever. Thats where education and awareness come into play.

Free diabetes education is available at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center and the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center. Both offer classes on nutrition, fitness and chronic disease management. The city-run Diabetes Awareness and Wellness Network, which operates the centers, is looking for funding to open at least two more facilities in the coming years.

The centers are critical to the community, said Dr. Faith Foreman-Hays, chronic disease director at the health department. They provide free behavioral support that aligns with what doctors recommend for preventing or managing diabetes to help improve quality of life.

Staff nurses and dietitians at the centers teach life-saving preventative care, Foreman-Hays said, and are on hand to help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels.

nora.mishanec@chron.com

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More than half of Houstonians who died from COVID had diabetes - Houston Chronicle

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