Clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus affected by COVID-19: a retrospective cross-sectional study from a tertiary care center in Pakistan.

Background: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, emerged in December 2019 and quickly became a global public health concern. Diabetes, a major risk factor for severe COVID-19, affects 537 million people worldwide, with high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. Studies show diabetes increases the risk of severe COVID-19 complications and mortality.