Coronavirus: Diabetics account for one-fifth of Scottish hospital Covid-19 deaths

Almost one-fifth of the coronavirus-related deaths in Scottish hospitals were diabetic, according to new figures.

Statistics have stimulated calls for protection and guidelines for people in that condition, as lockdown restrictions have begun to be relaxed.

A UK hospital found that people with diabetes account for 30% of deaths.

The Scottish Government said it reviewed all clinical guidance and worked with diabetes advisors.

Figures from PA news agency’s national records in Scotland show that 554 people who died of Covid-19 on the death certificate up to May 24 also had diabetes.

This is almost 15% of the total 3,779 deaths due to coronaviruses at that time.

Of the 1,760 people who died of the virus during hospitalization, 341 (19%) were diabetic.

“Urgent”

Angela Mitchell, National Director of Diabetes Scotland, said:

“There must be assurance that people with diabetes should not be put in a situation where they are at risk from work.

“Employers keep diabetic people safe by helping them work from home, if not possible, by leaving whole diabetic people, or by taking steps to ensure a strict social distance. Measures must be taken to ensure that the major workers who must work absolutely.

“We need to ensure that the new government workplace guidelines work for people with diabetes.”

The numbers were also 10% of those who died in nursing homes-175 out of 749-, and those with diabetes were 14% of those who died at home-38 out of 264.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics are included in the numbers without a breakdown.

In the latest Scottish Diabetes Study, more than 304,000 patients in Scotland had this condition in 2018, accounting for 5.6% of the population.

A Scottish government spokesman said: “We are aware of the challenges that people with diabetes face daily.

“There are specific support programs in place for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

“We continue to review all clinical guidance and work with advisors, including specific diabetes specialist advisors.

“If a person with diabetes is concerned about their condition, they should contact their GP or diabetes clinical team.

“They will be able to provide specific advice and support based on individual circumstances.”

Diabetics are not on the list of people at highest risk Shield at homeHowever, some people are advised to shield when a combination of health factors poses a significant risk.

There is a helpline, Online advice People with diabetes can help manage their condition during the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Risk of high blood pressure and obesity

It is possible that someone has an underlying health condition such as diabetes, but is still very healthy and mild symptoms only occur when infected with the coronavirus.

Studies have shown that the risk of type 1 (insulin dependent) or type 2 diabetes under the age of 40 is very low.

Some people may have other risk factors, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, and are at a much higher risk of complications.

Experts say that age is the strongest risk factor for severe or deadly illness with coronaviruses.

What is Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term condition in which a person’s blood sugar becomes too high.

In the United Kingdom, approximately 90% of adults with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 can be prevented by losing weight, eating healthy, and being active.

On the other hand, type 1 cannot be prevented. It only happens, often in childhood, and scientists have yet to explain why.

If you’re concerned about diabetes during a coronavirus pandemic, your doctor says:

• Contact GP Practice or Diabetes Team
• If you have diabetes and have been contacted by a specialized eye or foot care team, please make an appointment to receive treatment to prevent these problems from getting worse. Clinics are taking additional safeguards to keep people safe
• 4T-Toilet, thirst, tiredness, leanness-is a sign of a life-threatening diabetic emergency, diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA. If you recognize any of these signs, seek urgent medical advice from GP Practice (or within 111 hours). If you already have diabetes, contact the diabetes team. Call 999 if you feel unwell
• If your feet have cuts or blisters on your feet, you may be a sign of a foot ulcer. Call your GP practice to check it as soon as possible. If you have an ulcer or other serious foot problem, you will be directed to see a specialist immediately.
• In case of a serious or life-threatening emergency-call 999