The current outbreak of the COVID-19 or the Corona Virus is posing a global threat all over the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak as pandemic on 11th March 2020. The global infection is causing panic amongst people since it has made way around the world. Originating from Wuhan Hubei Province, China the global pandemic has infected thousands of people.
With the news of additional cases, travel restrictions and tumbling stock markets & economy Corona Virus has caused a nationwide stir around the globe. The majority of people are questioning what it means for them & the primary conditions pose a higher risk for diabetic people.
Don’t worry you can prevent yourself from the dreaded COVID-19 by taking a few precautionary measures. So what’s the Corona Virus all about? And how can people with diabetes prevent themselves? Let’s have a closer look at things.
About the COVID-19 disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause respiratory ailment. Most of these viruses cause illness in animals, but the seven known types of coronaviruses cause sickness in humans. The SARS-CoV-2 is a type of virus that causes COVID-19 disease.
Symptoms
People with COVID-19 tend to exhibit mild to severe respiratory sickness along with fever, cough & short breaths. After the onset of the illness people might experience a runny nose, aches, sore throat, diarrhea. This disease can spread from person to person. It is advisable o maintain a safe distance from people. Contact your healthcare immediately if you come in contact with a contaminated person.
It matters for people with Diabetes
For anyone, with or without diabetes, first of all, you need not panic if you are down with flu. Make sure to see your health care provider as earliest as possible. For those diabetics with high BG levels are at higher risk for contracting viruses. The illness can be difficult to treat due to fluctuations in glucose levels. Therefore people with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk than type 1 diabetes.
Recommended tips for Diabetics
When someone with diabetes falls sick, the treatment takes longer and becomes crucial. Here are a few recommendations by experts to follow-
- The first & foremost thing you can do is monitor your blood glucose level & ketones more than usual. Check out for the Ketones, a high level would lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which can be deadly if left untreated.
- It is very essential to maintain your normal schedule of medications. It can be a difficult task if you are sick. It is better to take insulin over the syrups that may contain sugar. These syrups would just increase the high blood glucose levels.
- Fill your cabinets with foods that help in maintaining the carbohydrate intake in a healthy way. Foods like vegetables, flavored yogurts, soups are easily digestible. It is important to stay hydrated & nourished.
- Keep a tab on your active medications & doses, including your supplements and vitamins. Make sure you have enough medical supplies on hand.
- If you are down with a fever, cough or breathing problems seek medical care at the earliest & share your previous travel history. Contact your healthcare via telephone first as going to the clinic might expose you to the virus. Visit only if you are told to. Many healthcare providers have increased the use of medicines.
Apart from these useful recommendations following the basic rules like washing your hands often, avoiding the constant touch of mouth with unwashed hands, disinfecting surfaces regularly will help prevent the disease. Until the antiviral medications are available to the public, self-care is most important.
