Corona Virus and Diabetes

It is only natural for us to discuss “Corona Virus and Diabetes” since all we hear about lately is how quickly it is spreading across the globe.

We know it originated in China and has now spread to many different countries including Canada and the US.

The news about COVID-19 changes daily so it is important to stay informed with factual, up-to-date information from the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

 

What Do You Need To Know

Since our grandson is a Type 1 Diabetic we needed to know how COVID-19 affects our grandson. I mean how do we ensure he is safe and how bad is it if he were to contract it.

Here in New Brunswick, Canada we have been asked by our government to stay home and avoid going to public places.

With a Type 1 Diabetic in the family, this raised concerns about the availability of medical supplies or medical treatment in the case of Severe Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia.

While our daughter does a superb job of managing his Diabetes, there is still the risk that things can get out of control, the risk is always there.

People with diabetes have a higher chance of experiencing severe symptoms and complications when infected with a virus. Diabetics actually face a higher risk of worse outcomes, not a higher chance of contracting the virus.

In China, still, where most of the cases have occurred, people with Diabetes had much higher rates of serious complications and death than people without Diabetes.

So let’s examine what we can do to better protect our Diabetic loved ones.

 

Take Everyday Precautions

Avoid contact with anyone who is displaying signs of illness of any kind and follow these simple suggestions:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, using the restroom, or  being in a public place
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, etc.
• routinely clean commonly touched surfaces in your home (countertops, tables, door handles, light switches, etc.)
• Avoid going to any crowded areas
• Limit all non-essential travel including vacations and cruises

 

Make a Plan

For a person with Diabetes making a plan before you are sick is imperative so let’s gather what we need:

• phone numbers of your doctor and healthcare team, your pharmacy, and your insurance provider
• list of all medications and doses (including vitamins and supplements)
• simple carbs like glucose tabs. soda, candy, honey, jam, jello, popsicle – these will help keep your blood glucose up in the event you become too sick to eat
• talk to your pharmacy about having extra refills on hand or the possibility of having refills delivered
• always have enough insulin on hand for the week ahead in case you are too ill to refill a prescription
• extra supplies of rubbing alcohol and soap on hand
• Glucagon and Keytone strips, to be prepared for “lows” or “highs”
• enough household food and supplies on hand to last a period of time without having to go out

 

 

Talk to your healthcare team about:

• when to call your doctor (keytones, changes in food intake, medication adjustments)
• how often to check your blood glucose
• when to check for keytones
• medications you can use for colds, flu, fever, virus, and infections
• any changes to your Diabetes meds when you are sick

 

Watch For Warning Signs

If you develop any of these Emergency COVID-19 symptoms get medical attention immediately:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• persistent chest pain or pressure
• new confusion or inability to rouse
• bluish lips or face
• watch for potential COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath

Be sure to call your doctor if you feel you are developing symptoms.

 

Have the following information handy when you call:

• have your glucose reading available
• have your keytone reading available
• keep track of your fluid consumption and report
• be clear on your symptoms ( are you nauseated, or just a stuffy nose)
• ask your questions on how to manage your diabetes

Know What To Do If You Are Sick

Here are a few common tips that may vary in individual cases. Naturally, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.

 

• drink plenty of fluids, if you are unable to keep water down try taking sips every 15 minutes or so to prevent dehydration
• if you are “low” try 15 g simple carbs like jello, honey, popsicles, etc., recheck your blood glucose in 15 minutes to make sure it is rising
• check blood glucose levels more frequently throughout the day and night (every 2 – 3 hours)
• if your blood glucose is “high” twice in a row test for keytones and call your doctors office immediately if you have medium or large keytones (and trace or small if instructed to do so) to avoid Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) Check out my article called “Diabetic Ketoacidosis“.
• wash your hands and injection/infusion and finger stick sites with soap and water or rubbing alcohol

 

Conclusion

While we are still in the midst of battling this COVID-19 virus and are uncertain as to the measures our governments and municipalities will take in the future in their efforts to contain this virus we must stay home away from public places as much as possible.

Yes, it is difficult to have our normal routines interrupted but in my mind, that is a small price to pay to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

Frequent washing with soap and water and maintaining diligent Diabetes management will go a long way to staying as healthy as possible.

More frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels, drinking plenty of fluids, and staying in contact with your doctor, and following their advice is crucial in the event you do become infected with not only COVID-19 but any cold or flu.

Stay home and stay safe.

Thanks for stopping by, leave your comments or questions below.