Effect of Ficus pumila L. on Improving Insulin Secretory Capacity and Resistance in Elderly Patients Aged 80 Years Old or Older Who Develop Diabetes After COVID-19 Infection.

(1) Background: It has been reported that people affected by COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, suffer from various diseases, after infection. One of the most serious problems is the increased risk of developing diabetes after COVID-19 infection. However, a treatment for post-COVID-19 infection diabetes has not yet been established. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ficus pumila L. extract, which has traditionally been used to reduce blood glucose levels in Okinawa, on patients who developed diabetes after COVID-19 infection. (2) Methods: In total, 128 rehabilitation patients aged 80 years old or older who developed diabetes after COVID-19 infection were included. The HOMA-β (Homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function) and HOMA-IR (Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) were assessed to evaluate the glucose tolerance. (3) Results: The HOMA-β decreased and HOMA-IR increased in patients who developed after diabetes after COVID-19 infection. Subsequently, 59 patients were given Ficus pumila L. extract and their HOMA-β and HOMA-IR improved after ingestion. On the other hand, the control group of patients who did not consume Ficus pumila L. showed no improvement in both HOMA-β and HOMA-IR. (4) Conclusions: Ficus pumila L. extract, ingested by patients who developed diabetes after COVID-19 infection, stimulated insulin secretion capacity and improved insulin resistance.