Diabetes & Covid-19

In general, people with diabetes face increased risk of complications when it comes to viral infections such as influenza and this is also true for the SARS-COV-2 virus (coronavirus). The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes a disease called Covid-19. Diabetes does not seem to increase the chance of infection, but is one of the risk factors that causes greater severity and complications in the context of SARS-COV-2 infection.

The recommended safety precautions are as follows1

  • Wash hands properly and frequently.
  • Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing with a handkerchief or the inner face of your elbow.
  • Adhering to the current recommendations of the Ministry of Health regarding the use of compulsory masks.

Plan how to deal with Covid-19 even before you may get it. Keep the following at hand:

  • Phone numbers of your doctors and medical team.
  • List of medications and doses you each of the medications you take.
  • Simple carbohydrates such as jam, common jelly, to help raise your blood glucose level (blood sugar) if you are at risk of very low blood sugar levels.
  • Medicines/Insulin: always have enough for at least another week, in case you cannot get to a pharmacy.
  • Glucose strips to regularly test blood glucose levels, especially when you are sick

The risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19 is likely to be lower if diabetes is well managed1,2. Having heart disease or other complications in addition to diabetes may worsen your chance of getting seriously ill with COVID-19, so it is important to have good control of diabetes and all concomitant diseases1.

*Always speak to your doctor who can assist with the right diabetes treatment for your lifestyle and needs.


References:

  1. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, Volume 14, Issue 3, 2020, Pages 211-212
  2. https://www.diabetes.org/coronavirus-covid-19
23 April 2021

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