In Covid-19, hyperglycemia, or high levels of glucose in the blood, irrespective of pre-existing diabetes, and steroid use have been identified as risk factors associated with the occurrence of the dreaded mucormycosis fungal infection.

A recently published multi-centric study involving 20 tertiary care hospitals across India revealed that the cause of the upsurge of mucormycosis during the peak COVID months of June–July 2022, which caused several deaths and severe morbidity and disfiguration, was a subject of speculation.

The study revealed that COVID-19 patients on steroid treatment need to be monitored for their glycemic status. The study stated that they need to be educated to recognize and report symptoms and signs of mucormycosis. It further added that prescribing steroids for COVID-19 patients in home isolation or non-hospital care centers needs to be done rationally, along with stringent monitoring and control of plasma glucose levels. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/excess-glucose-in-blood-linked-to-mucormycosis/93626712)