Diabetes mellitus, commonly called diabetes, is a metabolic disorder that causes high blood sugar in the body. Diabetes has been called a ‘way of life’ disease because factors such as food choices, not smoking, and maintaining regular physical exercise can keep risk at bay or minimise the impact of illness.
People with diabetes and other chronic conditions are at higher risk of complications if one infected by Covid-19. It’s not that it means a higher risk of catching a virus but higher risks if one does contract virus.
Underlying conditions like diabetes mean greater risk for getting or transmitting COVID-19 within the home, finds a CDC study. Learn more: https://t.co/pN20Dpfd22 pic.twitter.com/3N1Ju9vO3K
— CDC (@CDCgov) August 18, 2020
In the time of uncertainty, risks of getting stress and anxiety are very much common as stress complicates diabetes management, so managing stress should be the most important thing to manage.
India has the second-largest number of people with diabetes, while we all are taking necessary precautions like social distancing and staying home to prevent the rapid spread of Covid-19. Managing diabetes may seem quite challenging in a time where staying home is the only option.
The recent lockdown has encouraged lifestyle changes to lack physical activity, and inappropriate sleeping and eating habits make the situation deteriorating for diabetic patients.
Prevention is the best form of cure. Hence eating healthy and staying physically fit is the key to prevent diabetes. With the advent in technology during the Covid times now you can consult your doctor via video call in simple steps.
According to Dr Roy Patankar, Director, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur, “There are many cases wherein people ignore their health problems due to the fear of contracting Covid-19 infection and land themselves in grave situations that can be even life-threatening. Owing to the pandemic, people are scared to visit the doctor, resort to self-medication, and come in an emergency due to the delay in treatment. Some may also require complex surgeries but this is entirely avoidable if one takes a prompt treatment.”
Diet and exercise still hold the same value. Monitoring the sugar levels regularly, adhering to the treatment regimen and following up with your doctor is equally important to ensure a good quality of life.
In addition to a healthy lifestyle, a diabetic patient should ensure the following:
- Exercising in and around your home, adding a yoga routine to your day will surely help you get a healthy life and a way to distress yourself.
- Make sure you have enough medications, insulin syringes, injection needles, insulin vials so that even a single dose is not missed.
- Adequate sleep is also very essential to remain rejuvenated and refreshed the next day.
#COVID19 is often more severe in people with #diabetes or conditions that affect their immune system.#StayHealthy by adhering to a combination of medical treatment & a healthy lifestyle to manage the condition & prevent complications.
More tips: 👉 https://t.co/Ej1j5iGNa8 pic.twitter.com/oWF31SSoGv
— World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific (@WHOWPRO) August 24, 2020
As we are fighting against Covid-19 by staying at home, diabetic patients should monitor blood sugar and pressure at home more often than usual and should continue taking their medications according to their previous schedules
Try to enjoy what is there within the space, so that you don’t feel lonely and bored, utilize this time to prioritize your health, as discussed above so that you can use lockdown period effectively. Patients with diabetes need intensive attention to reduce the risk of fatalities.
