Molecular processes in kidney cells may 'prime' diabetics for COVID-19 infection

(Simons Foundation) People with diabetes -- especially those with diabetic kidney disease -- are among the most at risk for COVID-19. A new study peered inside the kidney cells of COVID-19 patients and diabetic kidney disease patients and made a surprising discovery: Similar molecular processes were activated in both sets of patients. The results suggest that diabetes may predispose patients to SARS-CoV-2 infection or more severe COVID-19 by spurring biological processes used by the virus to inf...