Original Article Title: Examination of prediabetes risks with COVID-19 cases: What does the COVID-19 Follow-up Clinic tell us?

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the risk factors associated with the development of prediabetes (preDM) in patients following COVID-19 infection. Given the potential metabolic impacts of COVID-19, understanding the relationship between post-COVID-19 health and preDM can provide insights into the long-term consequences of the disease. Method This descriptive case series study included five patients diagnosed with new-onset preDM after COVID-19, who visited the COVID-19 Follow-up Clinic. Demographic data, medical history, and laboratory findings were collected retrospectively from the Health Management System of the Ministry of Health. Risk factors such as physical activity levels, smoking, body mass index, and the use of corticosteroids were assessed concerning preDM development. Results PreDM was diagnosed in 4.2% of patients after Covid-19 disease. The findings revealed that 80% of the patients were male, with an average age over 65 years. Several risk factors including age, gender, low physical activity levels, and corticosteroid use during COVID-19 treatment were associated with an increased likelihood of preDM. One patient was found to have high clinical frailty, which may further predispose to metabolic imbalances. Conclusion COVID-19 may contribute not only to acute health issues but also to long-term metabolic risks such as preDM. Post-COVID-19 patients with preDM require close monitoring and lifestyle interventions to mitigate the risk of progression to diabetes mellitus (DM). This study underscores the importance of assessing metabolic health in COVID-19 survivors and calls for further research with larger sample sizes to deepen our understanding of COVID-19’s long-term effects on metabolic health.