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Covid situation in India is largely under control even amid the presence of nearly all Omicron variants, but it is important to exercise caution when it comes to a highly-infectious and unpredictable virus. People with diabetes have a high risk of developing deadly Covid complications like severe pneumonia and inflammation, higher risk of hospitalisation and an increased mortality risk overall, if infected with coronavirus. Considering the pandemic is not over yet, one must regularly monitor their blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy lifestyle and take the booster shot if eligible. (Also read: Diabetes: 5 best and worst fruits for managing blood sugar)
“After a prolonged lull, Covid-19 is back in the news again following a massive outbreak in China. While it is uncertain whether this will lead to a fresh wave of infections in India, it is important for vulnerable sections of our population (such as those with diabetes) to be aware of the implications of the disease and what they can do to protect themselves,” says Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman and Chief Diabetologist of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre.
“There are many studies that show people with diabetes when infected with coronavirus, have a higher risk of developing severe pneumonia and inflammation, higher risk of hospitalisation, higher risk of needing ventilator support, and an increased mortality risk. People with diabetes have compromised immune systems that make them vulnerable to grave complications with infections in the body, especially when the virus is covid,” says Dr. B.M. Makkar, Senior Diabetologist, President, RSSDI
“It is well known that Covid can lead to worse outcomes for people who already have health problems. This includes people over the age of sixty as well as people with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions, and respiratory problems. In situations like these, you might feel anxious and wonder what you can do to stay safe, irrespective of whether you have diabetes yourself or are a caregiver for someone with diabetes,” says Dr Mohan.
Despite the fact that people with poor control of diabetes have weaker immune systems, research shows that diabetes does not increase your risk of contracting the coronavirus. The real problem with diabetes is that, although it does not increase risk of contracting the virus, it is more likely to lead to more severe complications in the event of infection.
Dr Mohan says there could be two reasons behind people with diabetes being at increased risk of severe complications from Covid.
“One is that people with diabetes have a weaker immune system, and the other is that the virus might do better in an environment with high blood glucose. Additionally, the risk of serious Covid complications increases with the number of compounded conditions a person has, such as diabetes and heart disease,” says Dr Mohan.
Type 1 diabetes or Type 1 diabetes, which is a bigger risk factor for severe Covid
“There is currently no evidence that one type of diabetes poses a greater risk than the other —i.e., the risk is more or less the same for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, individuals with type 1 diabetes tend to have a milder disease occurrence due to their younger age profile. The majority of people with type 2 diabetes are older and have associated complications like high blood pressure, and may therefore be more likely to experience Covid-related complications. Any infection, including Covid can also increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is most frequently found in type 1 diabetes but can be seen in type 2 diabetes also. Many people with severe Covid are administered steroids in hospital. Blood sugar control may worsen in individuals with diabetes when taking steroids. Even those without diabetes may experience a temporary increase in blood sugar levels,” says Dr Mohan.
Here are some tips for people with diabetes to avoid Covid infection.
1. Be up to date with vaccinations: Make sure that you have completed your two doses of Covid vaccination, and go for the booster shot (precaution dose) at the earliest. Government of India guidelines recommend the precaution dose for all individuals at high risk, and individuals with diabetes most definitely fall in this category.
2. Get your flu shot: Covid-19 is not the only respiratory illness circulating in the community at this time of the year. Influenza has also made a comeback this year, and many developed countries are battling a “twindemic” of COVID and influenza. The flu vaccine is highly effective in preventing severe disease due to influenza.
3. Follow standard protocol and guidelines with respect to symptoms, when to test, hygiene practices, and social distancing.
4. Ensure that you keep your diabetes under good control: With the increasing prevalence of highly infectious variants of the coronavirus, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to avoid infection forever. The single most important thing that people with diabetes can do to reduce their risk of severe infection is to make sure that they keep their diabetes under good control. With this in mind, make sure that you do not miss your regular check-ups with your diabetologist. Find out what your blood glucose targets are and discuss what can be done to achieve and maintain these targets. Do not miss your medications. Also monitor other risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Set aside time each day for exercise, even if you are unable to go for a walk or a run outside. An exercise routine can help you feel better and lessen your anxiety. Keep in touch with your diabetes educator/dietician to formulate the optimal diet plan for you. Avoid harmful behaviours such as tobacco use and excess intake of alcohol.
6. Do not self-medicate. Always consult your treating physician before using any medication.
7. Be watchful for signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition can potentially develop life-threatening complications among people with diabetes, most often in type 1 diabetes patients. It can occur while the body lacks enough insulin to convert glucose into energy, causing the breakdown of fats and leading to the build-up of acids called ketones within the blood.
8. Make sure you take a nutritious diet. Avoid deep-fried foods as they might derail your diabetes condition.
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