DIABETES AND CORONAVIRUS COVID19: HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK

COVID-19 has been observed to cause more severe complications in older people and people with chronic health conditions like Diabetes. Coronavirus is known to affect people with Diabetes more severely as Diabetes can compromise immune function.

If in case person with Diabetes (or anyone for that matter) is showing symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, they should seek evaluation for coronavirus.

If a person has Type 2 Diabetes, here are some ways to manage your diabetes better and reduce your overall risk during this outbreak. These are general suggestions and have not been proven by any dedicated research study. 

Reduce the risk of infection

Do follow instructions by your local public health agencies and Adopt measures such as

• Regular hand washing
• Stay home unless essential to go out
• Avoid crowded spaces
• The social distancing of at least 2 m or 6 feet from friends or strangers
• Cough/sneeze into a tissue or your elbow

Maintain blood sugar

Doctors suggest maintaining the blood sugar levels at the recommended targets. High blood sugars can affect our body’s immune system and ability to fight infection.  

Target blood sugar levels, when you check at different times of the day are (as per Diabetes Canada 2018 guidelines) are as follows: 

A) Fasting blood sugar targets:

4 to 7 mmol/liter (equivalent to 70-126 mg/dl)

If you check your blood sugars on an empty stomach, the target blood sugar should be between 4-7 millimoles per liter (mmol/liter). These units are used in Canada and some other countries. The equivalent number is 70-126 Milligram per deciliter (mg/dL) based on units used in India, USA, and some other countries.

B) 2 hour after meals blood sugar targets:

5 to 10 mmol/Liter (equivalent to 90-180 mg/dL)

If you check your blood sugar two hours after your last meal or snack, the goal of blood sugar should be between 5 to 10 Mmol/ liter (= 90-180 mg/dL).

If possible, you should try to maintain these readings between 5-8 mmol/liter (= 90-144 mg/dL)

For some people, your provider may suggest slightly different targets, if you have severe medical conditions, to reduce the risk of low blood sugars.

My Practical Diet, aims to give its patients optimum health guidance to fight against diseases and maintain health. Our online consultation is also available. Please visit our website https://mypracticaldiet.com/ to learn more and book a FREE online or in-person information session.