Pharmacotherapeutic Considerations in the Management of Hypertensive and Diabetic COVID-19 Patients

The COVID-19 disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 has emerged as a pandemic inflicting more than 229 million people over the globe. Preexisting illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are known to increase the risk of developing severe disease course and mortality. Likewise, COVID-19 potentiates the risk of acute cardiovascular events, multiorgan damages and, poor glycemic control among the patients. Special pharmacotherapeutic considerations are, therefore, essential for optimal treatment of COVID-19 patients with chronic comorbidities. In this editorial, we have summarized and interpreted the current information and guidelines about the need for pharmacotherapy adjustment in COVID-19 patients with hypertension and type II diabetes. Diabetic and hypertensive patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 disease should be encouraged to continue their usual medications with frequent monitoring. However, the choice of antidiabetic drugs needs to be reviewed in severe diseases.