The "Delta" variant of the coronavirus continues to instill fear in India, especially after doctors discovered a link between this variant and the onset of other serious diseases. It is believed that the new strain, "Delta" or B.1.617, causes unprecedented damage to the pancreas, leading to sudden onset diabetes and elevated blood glucose levels, which in turn contributes to the spread of "black fungus," as confirmed by Indian doctors to the British Telegraph.
**Pancreatic Cell Damage**
In this context, Dr. Kothalkar at "Seven Stars" Hospital explained that the new variant damages the "beta" cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin and regulate blood glucose levels. He added that about 40% of patients developed diabetes after contracting COVID-19 during the second wave of the pandemic.
**Early Detection**
Doctors emphasized that early detection, including regular blood glucose monitoring among COVID-19 survivors, is crucial to stopping the spread of black fungus disease. They also noted that the mortality rate could rise to 50% if the disease spreads, even if treatment is provided afterwards. Some studies published in the British Medical Journal and Nature indicated that the cause of diabetes might not be limited to the "Delta" variant, confirming increasing evidence that multiple coronavirus variants are linked to the condition, with between 5% and 14% of hospitalized patients experiencing this condition after infection.
