Impact of COVID-19 on Libyan Patients with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Western Libya

2026-02-08T12:45:46+02:00

Diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent in Libya and is a well-established risk factor for severe COVID-19. Real-world data from the Libyan diabetic population during the pandemic are scarce, particularly in conflict-affected settings. This study aims to evaluate COVID-19 infection rates, clinical severity, vaccination uptake, and the influence of glycemic control in Libyan adults with diabetes. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted (January–February 2022) at three major diabetes centres in western Libya (Surman, Zawia, and Tripoli). A total of 122 consecutive patients aged ≥20 years with confirmed diabetes were enrolled and interviewed regarding demographics, latest HbA1c level, physical activity, family history, confirmed COVID-19 infection, hospitalisation, and COVID-19 vaccination status. Overall, 44.3 % (54/122) of participants reported laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. All 20 patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7.0%) who contracted COVID-19 required hospital admission, whereas none of the 34 with good control needed hospitalisation (p < 0.001). Vaccine uptake (≥1 dose) was 72.1 % (88/122) and varied significantly by centre: Tripoli 85.4 %, Zawia 65.5 %, and Surman 63.5 %. Vaccine refusal ranged from 14.6 % (Tripoli) to 36.5 % (Surman). Self-reported regular physical activity was alarmingly low (<10% across centres). Poor glycemic control was strongly associated with severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalisation in this Libyan diabetic cohort, despite a small sample and potential outpatient survival bias. Vaccine hesitancy remains substantial outside major cities. Urgent intensification of diabetes education, glycemic optimisation, and targeted vaccination campaigns is needed

Libyan Medical Journal

Impact of COVID-19 on Libyan Patients with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Western Libya