10 Diabetes Care Tips During the Coronavirus Pandemic
People of all ages can be affected by the novel coronavirus. If you have diabetes, then you need to be very cautious. It is critical that you get vaccinated to reduce your chance of getting the virus. If a person is more than 60 years of age and has health complications like diabetes, the risk of getting affected by coronavirus is high. According to a review published by the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, it shows that the immune system of people with persistent hyperglycemia is impaired. Therefore, diabetes complications can risk of severe illness from Covid-19.
Let us see 10 diabetes care tips during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Follow the CDC guidelines
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a set of protocols for us to follow. Some of the protocols are:
- Wear a mask
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid crowds
- Wash your hands often
- Clean and disinfect
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Monitor your health daily
- Keep your diabetes equipment clean
He or she must wash their hands while administering insulin. You should use soap and water to clean the areas where they inject the medication. You should not share needles or pens with others. It would help if you disposed needles safely. The diabetes equipment and supplies should be cleaned and disinfected.
- Stock up on an extra supply of medications
People who take insulin regularly should have all their medications, including insulin pens or syringes. Make sure you have diabetes monitoring equipment to monitor your sugar level. Keep a month’s supply of medicines handy.
- Store your extra medications
It is wise to store your extra medications and keep them handy. You may be worried about the cost of extra medication. Buy and store all your medicines safety. You need to monitor your glucose levels regularly.
- Some over-the-counter medication can affect blood glucose
If you are down with a cold and flu, some drugs are used for the treatment. They may affect your blood sugar levels. Some of the medication includes:
- Cough syrups
- Pills that contain the same ingredients like syrup
- Aspirin
- Advil can increase the hypoglycemic effect of insulin
- Look for signs of unstable blood sugar
If you have diabetes, you are likely to develop a life-threatening condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Ketones are chemicals made in your liver. These chemicals are produced when you don’t have enough hormone insulin. Insulin has the potential to convert glucose into energy. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly.
- Maintain a healthy diet
Diabetic patients should eat healthy foods during the pandemic. For many, nutritious food is not accessible. And there are struggles to maintain the sugar level. You need to maintain a balanced diet by choosing nutritious food like lentils, beans, canned fish, bread, oatmeal, cheese and yogurt. It is recommended to connect with the best diabetes doctor in Bangalore.
- Reach out to others living with diabetes for support
According to the study published in October 2018 in Diabetes Care many Type 2 diabetes who participated in peer support programs are able to manage depression and blood sugar. There are numerous online resources for you to get in touch regarding diabetes. It is time to inculcate a healthy diet, and exercise.
- Call your diabetologist
If you are a diabetic patient, be aware of the signs and symptoms of DKA. Ask all your concerns regarding diabetes to the diabetologist.
If you are down with COVID-19, immediately call your doctor and enquire about diabetes treatment. Are you wondering which doctor to consult in Bangalore? Contact Dr. Vishwanath anytime you need!
Diabetes Guides:
Chapter 1: Type 2 Diabetes Diet Plan – Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment for Men and Women
Chapter 2: 7 Best Exercise for Diabetes
Chapter 4: 6 Essential Vitamins For Diabetics
Chapter 5: The Importance of Home Diabetes Test
Chapter 6: What Does A Diabetic Patient Need To Be Aware Of During Covid?
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