Published online Oct 15, 2020. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v11.i10.468
Peer-review started: April 19, 2020
First decision: May 20, 2020
Revised: May 25, 2020
Accepted: August 25, 2020
Article in press: August 25, 2020
Published online: October 15, 2020
Core Tip: At present, the prevalence and impact of diabetes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have not been systematically reviewed in China. This meta-analysis for the first time focused on the pooled prevalence of diabetes among COVID-19 patients and its impact on clinical outcomes (ICU admission, severity, and death) in China. The analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of diabetes was 10% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7%-15%] in COVID-19 patients. Besides, the risks of severe cases (risk ratio = 2.13, 95%CI: 1.76-2.56, I2 = 49%, P = 0.007) and deaths (risk ratio = 3.16, 95%CI: 2.64-3.78, I2 = 34%, P = 0.20) were both higher in COVID-19 patients with diabetes compared with those without. Our findings highlight the need for targeted intervention on diabetes among COVID-19 patients.