Coronavirus and Diabetes

Each of us needs to be careful to avoid catching the novel coronavirus. You must be extra cautious if you have diabetes. Your risk of being infected with the virus is not higher than others but you can have worse conditions if you do get sick. You can have worse complications especially if your diabetes is not well-controlled. To lessen your chance of getting infected:

  • Use good hygiene
  • Maintain your distance from others
  • Make sure that your blood sugar is under control

In early studies, there is about 25% of individuals who were in the hospital with severe COVID-19 cases had diabetes. These individuals with diabetes were more likely to have serious complications. One main reason is that high levels of sugar in your blood can make your immune system weak. It also makes it less able to fight off infections. If you get coronavirus, it could put you at great risk for diabetes problems like diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition occurs when there is a high level of acids that has build-up in your blood and it could be very serious.

Advice On How To Avoid Infection

1. The best way to avoid getting sick is to stay at home as much as possible. People with diabetes have the right to work from home and take sick leave if needed in certain companies.

2. Wear a face mask and keep at least 6 feet away from other people. While you are out and when you get home, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

3. Wash your hands as well if you give yourself an insulin shot or a finger stick. You must clean each site first with rubbing alcohol.

4. To protect you and others especially those in your household, it is important to wash your hands regularly. Do not share utensils or other personal items. If anyone is sick in your house, they need to stay in a different room that is far from you if possible.

COVID-19 Diabetes Plan

Stay-at-home and social distancing rules might make it harder to get the supplies you need. Stock up enough goods that will last for a couple of weeks in case you are in quarantine. Make sure you have:

  • Sufficient food such as healthy carbs, vegetable, noodle soups, and unsweetened applesauce
  • Simple carbs (fruit juice, honey, sugar-sweetened soda, and hard candies)
  • The maximum number of refills you can get of your insulin and your other prescriptions
  • Contact number of your doctor and health insurance company

Things To Do If You Get Sick

Stay at home if you start feeling ill. Check your blood sugar more frequently than usual. COVID-19 could cause you to eat less and lessen your appetite which can affect your levels. You need an additional fluid than usual as well if you are sick. Have your water close by and drink it regularly.

Several over-the-counter medicines might affect your blood sugar levels that relieve virus symptoms such as cough and fever. Contact your doctor right away if you get symptoms the same as coronavirus and keep a record of your latest ketone and blood sugar readings available to share with your doctor.