LONDON - Scientists have warned that Covid-19 could trigger Type One diabetes in young people, with experts at Imperial College London encouraging parents to watch out for symptoms of the illness including fatigue, dehydration, frequent urination and weight loss. Although only a small number of children suffer severe symptoms from Covid-19, Type One diabetes can be life-threatening if not treated properly with insulin.

Up to half a million Britons are currently suffering from the effects of “long Covid” - including psychosis, fatigue and loss of eyesight - as campaigners warn that patient testimony is being routinely dismissed by doctors.

Claire Hastie, founder of the 15,000-strong Long Covid Support Group, told the Daily Mail she was left wheelchair-bound by the virus and is one of many “long haulers” reporting persistent issues months after getting the all-clear.

Even mild cases of the virus can have long lasting impacts on the lungs, brain and heart.


What are the long-term effects of Covid-19?


According to the leaked NHS guidance, around half of the Covid-19 patients treated in intensive care may end up with “persistent physical, cognitive and psychological impairments”. One in seven may suffer long-term or permanent brain damage.

Experts say that even mild reduction in brain function may “increase the risk of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s”, The Telegraph reports.

“And one in ten of those discharged from hospitals in England after treatment for Covid-19 has been left with acute heart injury.”

In China, the effects have been even more pronounced. “A paper in the journal JAMA Cardiology in March reported that one in five of 416 Covid-19 patients hospitalised in Wuhan, China, had suffered heart damage,” the Daily Mail reports.

The Covid Symptom Study suggests that patients’ liver and kidneys may also suffer long-term damage. However, the most serious risk appears to be to the lungs and brain.