DIABETES AND COVID-19: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

 

Having diabetes increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Studies have shown that people with diabetes who were admitted to the hospital with severe COVID-19 were more likely to have serious complications and to succumb to the infection. One reason is that people with diabetes often have high blood sugar, which weakens the immune system and makes it less able to fight off infections.

People with diabetes have an even higher risk of severe coronavirus infection if they have another condition (co-morbidity) such as heart or lung disease. A person with diabetes who develops COVID-19 is at increased risk for diabetic complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition in which high levels of acids called ketones build up in the blood. DKA can make it harder to control sepsis, a dangerous body-wide reaction that can develop in people with COVID-19.

Therefore, it is absolutely important that people with diabetes take all necessary precautions against COVID-19 infection.

Here are some important tips:

  • Stay home as much as you can. If you can work from home, do so.
  • If you have to go out, wear a facemask and face shield. Maintain at least 6 feet distance from other people.
  • Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain optimal weight.
  • Take your diabetes medications, as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Test your blood sugar and keep track of the results, as directed by your doctor.
  • Social distancing and community quarantine rules may make it harder to get the medical supplies you need. Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your diabetes medicines.
  • Stay connected with your doctor through tele-consultations. Doctors are now allowed to issue e-prescriptions to patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes.
  • Call your doctor immediately if you develop coronavirus-like symptoms such as a dry cough, fever, or shortness of breath.


 


Shop at Watsons for diabetes care essentials and other healthcare products.


 


References:

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-and-coronavirus. Accessed 6 October 2020
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html#:~:text=Having%20type%202%20diabetes%20increases,severe%20illness%20from%20COVID%2D19.&text=Continue%20taking%20your%20diabetes%20pills%20and%20insulin%20as%20usual. Accessed 6 October 2020


					
						

				

			

		

	

	

		

					

	







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