Diabetes and Coronavirus: Are Diabetic more susceptible?

Coronavirus can severe the complication of diabetes as mentioned by the American Diabetes Association. Everyone with diabetes, including type 1, type 2 and gestational DM is at risk of developing a severe illness if they get coronavirus infection.

But the way it affects you vary from person to person.

1)Why Diabetics have higher rates of complication and death from the corona?

The American Diabetes Association explains, “In China, where most cases have occurred so far, people with diabetes had much higher rates of serious complications and death than people without diabetes.”

It is thought that hyperglycemia due to infection or poorly controlled diabetes may be a cause of dysfunction of the immune response, which results in failure to control the spread of invading coronavirus making diabetics more susceptible to infections and delay in the healing process.

2)What happens to blood sugar levels in Corona infections?

When you have diabetes, being ill due to corona or any other infection can make blood glucose levels to go high and frequent fluctuations.

Your body tries to fight the illness by releasing stored glucose into the bloodstream to give you energy.

But your body can’t produce insulin to cope with this, so your blood sugars rise.

Blood sugar levels may go up due to the stress of illness.

3)What to do if you have diabetes and coronavirus symptoms?

If you are diabetic and developing with coronavirus symptoms like continuous cough or high temperature, shortness of breath, even if it is mild, follow these precautionary measures

Self-isolate yourselves and
Stay at home
Stay hydrated
Try checking your blood sugar level at home

If you cannot cope with your symptoms at home or if the condition gets worse, then fix doctor’s appointment online to have e-consultation for diabetes. So, people with diabetes should take precautions with respect to COVID-19, as they are already in the immuno-compromised state to fight off the virus. Follow the advice of your doctor regarding your medication.