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Can diabetes lead to severe COVID-19 infections?
Diabetes is a severe chronic illness that prevents the production of insulin in the body, leading to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Excess blood sugar levels in your body may result in other severe health problems.
COVID-19 is a severe respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus spreads when droplets are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. People with COVID-19 experience fever, cough, loss of taste and smell, muscle aches, chills, shortness of breath, and sore throat. COVID-19 attacks vital cells in our lungs, and when the attacks are severe, it hinders your lungs from performing correctly.
What is the COVID-19 risk for people with Diabetes?
According to an interview with the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM) president Michael Villa, people with diabetes were more likely to suffer from a severe form of COVID-19 when infected.
People who had diabetes and were infected with the virus had worse symptoms than those without diabetes. These patients had higher fevers, developed more complications, and had to stay in the hospital longer.
Having other complications in addition to diabetes can worsen the chance of getting severely ill from the virus. Having these complications can make it hard for your body to fight the infection.. (diabtes.org , n.d.)
Managing your diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19:
– Stay six feet away from others
– Get vaccinated
– Practice proper hand hygiene
– Avoid large gatherings
– Wear a mask
To learn more about the different COVID-19 variants and how to stay safe READ: COVID-19 WATCH: The Different COVID-19 Variants and What We Know (medtek.com.ph)
For diabetes patients, it’s important to:
– Monitor your blood sugar levels
– Eat a balanced diet
– Exercise indoors
To better manage your diabetes at home READ: 5 Tips to Better Manage Your Diabetes at Home – MAN Pharma
We are now in the 3rd year of the pandemic. Millions have succumbed to this deadly virus, and the numbers will likely rise if we don’t put a stop to it immediately. The COVID-19 virus impacts people in different ways depending on their health. People with existing medical conditions such as diabetes should stay safe and take extra precautions.
