The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that just under 150 million Americans had COVID-19 from February 2020 to September 2021, and somewhere around 80 million more cases had been officially reported as of March 2022.

That means there are a lot of people who need to pay attention to their glucose levels so they can spot developing diabetes if it shows up in the year after their infection.

According to a new study in the journal Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, people who test positive for COVID-19 have a 40% greater likelihood of developing diabetes than those who didn't contract the virus.

Most cases are Type 2 diabetes, but some are Type 1. (It seems the virus can attack a person's pancreas.) The associated risk is greater for people with severe cases of COVID-19, but it's still significant for those with mild symptoms.

The CDC has also found that kids with COVID-19 have an increased risk for all types of diabetes.

The post-acute phase of COVID-19 can present many health challenges, such as prolonged fatigue, fuzzy thinking, higher risk for heart problems — and now diabetes.

If you have had COVID-19, make it a point to see your doctor regularly to identify any lingering health issues, and have your glucose levels checked monthly and/or ask for a prescription for an at-home glucose monitor.

Managing (or even reversing) Type 2 diabetes promptly will help you avoid related health challenges that can affect your vision, nerve and kidney function, heart health, and more.