World Diabetes Day: Why COVID-19 Threats Diabetic Patients and What They Should Do

World Diabetes Day 2020: November 14 marks the celebration of World Diabetes Day. This day is celebrated every year around the world to raise awareness about the treatment and prevention of diabetes. It also emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle for diabetic patients, as they are prone to infections. And the coronavirus pandemic has made the year 2020 extremely exhausting for those people.

According to Dr. Tejeswini Deepak, an endocrinologist and general practitioner at Apollo Spectra Hospital Koramangala Bangalore, people with diabetes could be at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 and it is extremely difficult to treat these patients.

“Diabetic patients with poorly controlled sugar levels tend to have severe symptoms and are more vulnerable to developing complications from the COVID-19 virus. These patients are made more difficult to treat due to fluctuations in sugar levels and the presence of pre-existing complications related to diabetes, such as kidney failure or heart disease. In addition, they could respond slowly to treatments and therefore require more recovery time, ”said Dr. Tejeswini Deepak.

This is because poorly controlled diabetes, which means high blood sugar, weakens the body’s immune system and reduces its ability to fight bacteria or viruses that enter the body. This increases the risk of various infections, including the coronavirus.

At times like these, the most important thing a diabetic patient should do is maintain their blood sugar levels.

“Patients should try to reach the sugar level of 80-110 before eating and 140-160 after 2 hours of eating. Social distancing and maintaining good body hygiene, especially hand hygiene, should be a priority. As we know that diabetes weakens the immune system, patients should try methods to strengthen their immune system by having adequate and good quality sleep, exercising regularly, eating a balanced and nutritious diet that includes foods rich in nutrients such as zinc, vitamin C, iron, magnesium. . Patients must also learn ways to help reduce stress, as stress leads to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, ”said Dr. Tejeswini Deepak.

According to the doctor, diabetic patients can have a more productive and healthy life if they strictly follow these three important things.

1. Take prescribed medications correctly and follow up regularly with the medical team.
2. Ensuring regular blood sugar monitoring at home
3. Get regular check-ups: It is recommended to get a check-up at least once a year to detect various complications related to diabetes at an early stage

These are the pros and cons of people with diabetes:

Do

• Seek early medical advice on the diagnosis of diabetes, as a delay in starting appropriate treatment is likely to increase the chances of developing other complications.
• Comply with the prescribed treatment
• Exercise regularly and try to keep the weight as close to your ideal body weight as possible.
• Eat a nutritious and balanced diet, 4-6 frequent small meals are preferred
• Keep a regular check on sugar levels
• Do a daily foot exam yourself, looking for injuries.
• Restrict alcohol intake
• Seek immediate medical help in case of any illness such as fever or respiratory illness, as diabetic patients are more likely to become seriously ill in a short period of time.

Not to do

• Never skip prescription drugs
• Don’t skip any meals
• Don’t fast, as this can cause hypoglycemia, which means dangerously low blood sugar.
• Avoid foods with a high glycemic index that cause a spike in sugars
• Don’t exercise on an empty stomach.
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid wearing ill-fitting footwear

(Disclaimer: The above article is for informational purposes only. Consult with a physician / medical professional for any diagnosis and before starting any medication / therapy).