Elevated blood glucose levels can trigger an overreaction of the immune system and cause complications in coronavirus patients. This conclusion was made by a group of international scientists, the journal “Science Advances” writes. Specialists noted that patients with diabetes are more sensitive to influenza and, probably, COVID-19. The researchers explained that when the virus enters the organism, the immune system begins to produce cytokine molecules that coordinate cells in the fight against the pathogen. However, in the organisms of some people too many cytokines are produced. This leads to the emergence of a cytokine storm, during which both affected and healthy tissues are attacked. As a result, the whole organism is embraced by inflammatory processes that can be fatal. Scientists do not know exactly why some patients have such an immune response, while others do not. They believe that it is attributed to the level of sugar in the blood. An experiment with flu-infected mice showed that when the glucose concentration was high in their bodies, excessive cytokine production started. In addition, studies by Chinese doctors have shown that people with diabetes who are infected with coronavirus are more likely to experience a cytokine storm.