Tips for managing diabetes during a coronavirus pandemic

What if COVID-19 stops visiting with a doctor or health care professional? The effects on chronic disease management are vulnerable to exacerbation by the COVID-19 virus, and either deferral or cancellation can be severe for people with a history of diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and others.

The duration of lockdown has been shown to be directly proportional to poor glycemic control and diabetes-related complications. Evidence shows that insufficient glycemic control and the presence of organ dysfunctions make COVID-19-infected persons at a much greater risk of death than those who are not infected with COVID-19. That is why it is so important to achieve and maintain good glycemic control during this pandemic.

READ:World Diabetes Day: South African Celebrities Suffering From Diabetes

Tips for managing diabetes during a pandemic

Continue to take your diabetes medication and insulin as usual.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions to test your blood sugar and track your results.

Make sure your diabetes medication, including insulin, is available for at least 30 days.

If you feel unwell, follow the instructions of your healthcare provider.

If you feel unwell or feel unwell, please contact your healthcare provider.

If you do not have a health care provider, please contact your local community health center or GP office.

What are some of the known increased risks for people with diabetes?

“People with diabetes are at higher risk of more serious illness if they have COVID-19. Two recent UK studies show that if diabetes is poorly managed, hospitals It has been reported that there is a high risk of death within the country. The HBA1c test result (measurement of blood glucose level) exceeds 7.5%,” says Zane, a specialist and endocrinologist at Christian Town Bernard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town. Dr. Stevens says. “This is because high sugars weaken the immune system and are even more damaged by coronaviruses. People with diabetes often have circulatory problems, and those who are obese or overweight are You may experience an inflammatory response and tissue swelling, which also has a serious impact on the patient.”

According to Dr. Daksha Jivan, a physician and endocrinologist at Charlotte Makeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, the complications of diabetics who test positive for COVID-19 can be very serious. “They may include very high blood sugar, more serious respiratory illness and pneumonia, physical impairment, multiple organ failure, heart attack, stroke, and coma due to pulmonary embolism. If is positive for coronavirus, there is a four-fold increase in the need to enter and vent the ICU.”

READ:COVID-19 positive diabetics are under pressure to make healthier choices

Dr. Givan says a vicious cycle is working: “The virus causes higher blood sugar, which worsens the body’s immune response.”

Stay safe during a pandemic – there are some positive things you can do!

Like other respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 spreads through droplets of air that are scattered when an infected person speaks, sneezes, or coughs. The virus can live for hours to days, depending on environmental conditions. Hand hygiene and social distance are very important as they may spread in close contact with infected persons, or with droplets of air within the environment (such as the surface), and then by touching the mouth or nose. is.

“General safety measures such as isolation, washing hands, and wearing a mask are even more important for people with diabetes because of the increased risk of serious illness and death,” Dr. Givan said.

“It’s also important to remember that a healthy diet helps lower high blood sugar levels. Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol and smoking. Dr. Givan , Patients are advised to follow their medication schedules, continue to monitor glucose at home, perform regular blood tests, and keep a monthly dose at hand.

According to Stevens, some people have financial problems and are not buying medicines, while others are afraid of the medical environment typically associated with a pandemic, so go to a doctor. And avoid getting tested.

“Because of the increased risk, we encourage people with diabetes to control their sugar content and take their medication as prescribed. If they are hesitant to visit your health care professional, call or Virtual counseling is also possible via video: pandemics, face-to-face consultations may be augmented by provisional telemedicine consultations, and good communication is patented to manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes. He has taught me that it can be a great help to help you.

Diabetes is manageable and adherence to treatment and contact with health care providers can make a big difference during a pandemic. Take medicine proactively!

For more information, download the “Diabetes Words” app for free from Apple or Google Play. This handy companion application, useful for both type 2 diabetic patients and caregivers, provides access to valuable information for a better understanding of what diabetes is, and therefore patients with diabetes. Help people enjoy a better quality of life.

READ:The link between coronavirus and diabetes

Image provided by iStock / Azuki

Articles courtesy of Mantis Communications