What should Diabetics know about COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a highly infectious viral infection due to the Novel Coronavirus. The infection originated in Wuhan, China where it spread quickly. There are over 2,258,516 n people infected with the virus around the world and over 154,371 deaths. In India, there are 14,378 confirmed cases and 201 deaths. The virus is a new strain and countries around the world are unsure how to tackle and treat the virus.

The virus spreads via the droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can survive in the air and on solid surfaces for a few hours or days depending on the type of surface. If you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes you can get infected. The virus is killed in the environment when the surface is wiped with an alcohol-based solution.

Most people experience mild to moderate symptoms and make a complete recovery. Symptoms of COVID-19 are:-

Muscle pain and headache
Fever
Dry Cough
Fatigue
Sore throat
Repeated shaking with chills
Loss of smell and taste
More severe symptoms may include:-

Pneumonia
Breathing difficulty
Diarrhea
Chest pain
Death
The World Health Organization has said patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of serious infection if they contract the virus. People with diabetes have lower immunity levels. Your immune system protects you from infections. Diabetic patients may have other health problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. This will make you more susceptible to infections. Research showed that 22% of patients hospitalized in China with severe infections had diabetes.

Other than diabetes other high-risk categories are:-

cancer patients
Smokers
Bone marrow transplant or organ transplant patients.
Patients taking immune-suppression medications or steroids.
If you have AIDS or HIV.
Patients with chronic lung disease or you suffer from moderate or severe asthma.
Patients with chronic lung or kidney infections.
If you are over 65.
Your risks are higher if you don’t control your sugar levels. Higher sugar levels lower your immunity levels. Lower immunity levels make fighting the infection tougher. It is important to manage your diabetes more vigilantly in this period. Eat healthy meals, exercise indoors for at least 30 minutes. Exercise will improve your mental health as well. It is extremely important to have your medication on time. It is important to ensure you have insulin or glucose tablets handy. You can order your medicines at home in advance before your supply ends. You can monitor your sugar levels with blood tests at home or using a glucometer. Type 1 diabetic patients can either order urine tests or use urine ketone strips. If you feel your diabetic symptoms are worsening you can consult your doctor through video consultation.

It is extremely important to follow the precautions laid down by the government such as:-

Clean your hands with either soap or sanitizer frequently for at least 20 seconds.
Wear a mask when you are feeling unwell.
Sneeze or cough into tissues that must be disposed of properly.
Practice social distancing.
Clean and disinfect surfaces at home frequently.
Stay indoors as much as possible.