COVID-19 is a serious public health concern and people with chronic medical issues such as diabetes are at a higher risk of getting sick from coronavirus. Here’s a fool proof guide regarding how people with diabetes should take care of themselves during the lockdown period.
Coronaviruses (CoV) belong to a large family of viruses that may lead to respiratory illnesses, ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). this year, a new strain of coronavirus was discovered, which has not been previously identified in human beings, also known as a novel coronavirus (nCov). COVID-19 is a virus that causes respiratory disease and in serious cases it can lead to pneumonia. It can affect those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, people over 60, with heart disease or hypertension as they are in the ‘high-risk’ category. To fight coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put the entire country under lockdown. It is the need of the hour to keep the sugar levels in check for the ones with diabetes.
If one gets diabetes, not only his/her blood sugar level gets affected but the insulin production level also gets compromised. People with high or unmanaged blood sugar levels tend to have less than normal blood flow, owing to which the body finds it difficult to harness nutrients and heal. Thus, due to the weakened immune system, people suffering from diabetes can are prone to develop infections, and may take a longer time to get back on track. Thus, the situation of people with diabetes is very significant, yet manageable in the outbreak of coronavirus.
This is how people with diabetes should manage it during the lockdown
· Stay hydrated, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables to enhance your immunity.
· Exercise on a daily basis. Try to increase activities at home. Do exercises that will not stress you out. Opt for yoga, pranayama, and deep breathing exercises. This will improve your pulmonary function and will not cause any disturbance in breathing. Even light stretches can be done to keep your body supple and fit. You can also do simple household chores such as sweeping, mopping, and cleaning.
· Check blood sugar level at home with the help of home glucose monitoring that is reliable machines. You can check your blood sugar levels and keep a target of less than 140 and 180 mg/dl. If your sugars are in this range then monitor your sugar levels, every alternate day. If your sugar levels are not in this range then monitor it thrice a day, and you will have to take insulin instead of medications. Consult your diabetologist over the phone who will set your insulin doses according to your blood sugar levels. Take your insulin on time suggested by the doctor.
· If you are diabetic and hypertensive, then monitor your blood pressure levels from time to time and take medications.
· Washing hand is important and so is your feet. Clean them regularly. You can take the help of your family members and look for any cuts, ulcers, or wounds on the feet. Get immediate attention if required.
· Maintain good personal hygiene. Upgrade your skin, oral, and intimate hygiene. Practice social distancing.
· The spread of COVID-19 is via asymptomatic patients in whom symptoms are not seen. But if you are a diabetic and have a seasonal cough or cold then pay attention to it. Other symptoms that people with diabetes may have is hypoglycemia (can be described as a condition in which your blood sugar (glucose) level is lower than normal). This can be dangerous so help yourself with sugar if your sugar is less than 70 mg/dL. Make a note of what has caused a drop in your sugar level.
Authored by Dr. Anil Boraskar, Diabetologist, ACI Cumballa Hill Hospital, Mumbai
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