Coronavirus: At Covid risk, diabetics are “afraid to go to the hospital”

Blog summarizing the survey results So far, he said: “Some of the people we talked to explained how this led to fluctuations in blood sugar levels that were struggling to contain them.

“Some people increased their insulin consumption, while others accepted hyperglycemia and preferred not to risk hypoglycemia. [a potentially dangerous drop in blood sugar] When they were afraid of the potential consequences of hospitalization. ”

Preliminary findings were shared with the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office, which funded the study.

Dr. Chris Bun, a sociologist specializing in chronic long-term conditions who leads the study and writes a blog, told Herald that he was shocked by some of his testimony.

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This included patients who were worried that diabetes-related eye and nerve complications “told me that they were no longer being monitored and were afraid that this could miss preventable damage.” It was.

An Italian study found that amputation of the foot as a result of diabetic foot ulcer tripled during the pandemic compared to 2019, but similar data are now available in Scotland and the United Kingdom. There is none.

“That’s a really amazing number,” said Dr. Bunn.

“All these patients see how important it is to monitor themselves carefully to perform all tests each year to make sure that various complications are not coming or getting worse. I spend a lot of time on the medical encounters that are passed down.

“But now all that provision has been abolished. There is no check.

“It causes a lot of anxiety in the patient.”

Research from the public health Scotland has shown that diabetes is the major underlying disease in 4% (170) of patients who died of Covid by the end of August.

Between March 16th and June 21st, diabetes-related mortality in Scotland was also 33% higher than the previous year.

So far, researchers have interviewed patients with type 15 diabetes, but after being surprised by the “huge number” of participants desperate to share their frustration, We aim to reach out to 10 to 15 more people.

All but one interview participant told researchers that they were not provided access to remote consultation by phone or video, or were provided with information on how to access medical care as needed. ”

The two were supposed to receive insulin pumps, but the steps to match them were stopped during lockdown measures.

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“What we hear in these interviews is that people are making trade-offs,” said Dr. Bun.

“For example, if they are more worried about Covid or may lose sight, they have to resolve.

“I had a lot of frustration: with clinicians, government, and diabetes charities.

“Patients feel that they have not done enough to understand what to do in relation to these risks.

“Their regular care-everything introduced to ensure that diabetic people do not have the worst types of complications-pulls without follow-up or reconfirmation from service providers. Was done. ”

Dr. Bunn further said: “We don’t have epidemiological data for the UK yet, but I think we’ll see the effects of complications and avoidable conditions next year. I think so.

“It is associated not only with diabetes, but also with other chronic illnesses.”

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Angela Mitchell, National Director of Diabetes Scotland, said: “People with type 1 diabetes face daily challenges as they take careful and balanced actions to properly manage their condition and reduce the risk of serious complications.

“We are more likely that people with diabetes will experience anxiety and depression, Coronavirus As the pandemic throws more uncertainty into the mix, people will naturally feel more stress and anxiety.

“The NHS is open and it is important for people with diabetes to have access to medical support when they need it.

“The screening appointment has been interrupted, but if people feel sick or notice new symptoms of complications, see a doctor as soon as possible.

“our Diabetes UK The helpline is available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm at 0345 123 2399. If you would like to chat about diabetes related issues, please email us at [email protected]. ”

Ms. Mitchell said she hopes the diabetes service will be redesigned “to make video and telephone medical appointments more accessible throughout Scotland.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: Providing their safety and ongoing care and treatment is a priority for the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.

“The Scottish NHS is currently dealing with unprecedented health conditions, so some scheduled procedures and care had to be postponed.

“All clinical guidance, including coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance, remains under review. It provides personalized advice for people with diabetes and who have COVID-19. Contains important information about how it affects the virus.

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

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