Importance of hyperglycemia in COVID-19 intensive-care patients: Mechanism and treatment strategy

•COVID-19 patients develop hyperglycemia and related complication.•COVID-19 is associated with increased risk for development of diabetes in future.•Hyperglycemia is an important factor in all operative periods.•Hyperglycemia strongly elevated risk of organs failure, and death.•Hyperglycemia is strong predictors of organ failure and mortality rate. This review reported that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected patients with short time bed rest or quarantine and airway inflammation are at more risk of developing hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. This condition can induce oxidative stress, decrease immune system function, impair endothelial function, induce apoptosis, and reduce antioxidant in the lungs. We provide a possible mechanism in severe COVID-19 patients and recommend treatment strategy to reduce mortality rate and prevent adverse outcomes after intensive care unit (ICU).