THINGS WHICH YOU SHOULD KNOW REGARDING THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES DURING THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC:
Diabetic patients are the ones who have several other diseases, along with the imbalance of blood sugar levels. These are the people who are categorized as having a low immunity and are at high risk to suffer from coronavirus pandemic. Diabetic patients should follow their daily routine with the intake of medicines, controlled blood sugar levels, dietary intake, along with the other tips which might help them survive the coronavirus pandemic. Diabetic patients, when compared to the general population, are not more likely to suffer from COVID-19. Those people with diabetes are eventually at a higher risk to suffer from severe complications once they get the Coronavirus.
American Diabetes Association further elaborates that when they studied cases from China, it was seen that diabetic patients and people who suffer from different medical conditions like heart diseaes are more prone to experience severe consequences of COVID-19. Plus, people who become ill and have diabetes are unable to manage glucose levels and are unable to follow dietary protocols. The ADA Chief Interim says that do not take it lightly as COVID-19 is one of the severe and challenging situations faced by our society, and it affects the community as well as personal health. Diabetic patients should not worry about this coronavirus pandemic. Instead, they should follow extra preventive measures, maintain their blood glucose levels, and follow social distancing along with the guidelines to maintain hygiene. So have a look at all the questions that you have been wondering about?
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?
The strain of Coronavirus, which is causing a pandemic, is SARS-COV-2 that leads to COVID-19 infections. This viral infection first started infecting people within Wuhan, which is the city of China at the end of 2019. It is a type of new virus that has recently infected humans, and previously it was seen in animals. It is because of this reason that natural immunity for this virus is not present in humans. The virus transmits from one person to another through immediate contact, respiratory droplets such as through sneezing or coughing.
HOW DOES THE DIABETES INTERACT IN ASSOCIATION WITH CORONAVIRUS?
As this virus is new for humans, scientists and researchers are conducting several studies on cases within China and worldwide, which are now published in different medical journals. ADA has undergone these studies and is posting updates over its website regarding the new data. Still, people are wondering what they need to know about diabetes and its interaction with COVID-19. However, it is seen that people who have been severely sick due to this virus, one-fourth of them were diabetic patients. According to the past studies, it is seen diabetic patients with imbalanced blood glucose levels are at high risk to suffer from infectious diseases as they have a weaker immune system. This scenario is similar to COVID-19 contagious disease, where people such as diabetic patients have a more vulnerable immune system with increased chances of infections. It is therefore essential that diabetic patients should maintain their blood sugar levels, and if they are suffering from other medical diseases, then pay close attention as they are at high risk to suffer from infectious diseases like COVID-19.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IF ONE HAS DIABETES TYPE 1?
To date, it is difficult to identify whether the infectious rate in patients with diabetes type 1 or type 2 is different or not. We still need further research and studies to confirm the interaction of Coronavirus with diabetes type 1. However, it is advised that patients with diabetes type 1 should check their ketone levels and get them regularly checked.
HOW SHOULD ONE MONITOR GLUCOSE DURING THIS PANDEMIC?
It is advised to monitor blood glucose levels regularly as you do so, but if you are ill, then check it after every 3-4 hours. Diabetic patients should consult their healthcare professional immediately if suffering from high blood sugar levels consistently. It is further advised to keep the refills of the medicines in such a situation. Furthermore, you should have test strips and glucose meter at home for emergency needs.
WHICH SYMPTOMS ARE SEEN WITH CORONAVIRUS?
CDC explains that there is a range of mild, moderate to severe symptoms in such patients, including:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Breathlessness
- Breathing difficulties
- Pressure or chest pain
- Bluish discoloration
Contact the doctors immediately if you have diabetes and experiencing even minor symptoms.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE FOR PREPARATION?
- Maintain social distancing
- Practice handwashing frequently
- Follow appropriate measures at all time
- Avoid going to crowded places
- Maintain sugary and non-sugary items at home
Be mindful of this pandemic. You must have extra supplies at home in case of an emergency.