A number of you have been in touch looking for advice relating to the global Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) outbreak. If you have diabetes, or care for someone who does, and you’re worried about Coronavirus, we’ve pulled together a number of resources that we hope you will find useful.
The World Health Organization has declared the Coronavirus outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern. In response, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate.
It’s important to remember that the risk to individuals in the UK remains low. However, reports do suggest that coronavirus – or COVID-19 – can cause more severe symptoms and complications in people with diabetes, as well as in older people, and those with long term conditions such as cancer or chronic lung disease.
While the risk of getting Coronavirus in the UK remains low, if you have diabetes and you become unwell for any reason, it’s important that you follow sick day rules, and that you closely monitor your blood sugar. You might find our advice on how to manage illness with diabetes useful.
The government and NHS are continually updating their advice and information in relation to Coronavirus. These resources the most up-to-date information currently available, so we recommend you check them first if you have any worries or concerns.
The most up-to-date information about the outbreak, including information for returning travellers, can be found on the gov.uk website.
Tailored information for people living in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can also be found at:
The NHS also has up-to-date advice on what to do if you’ve recently returned from travel abroad, symptoms to look out for, and action to take if you become unwell.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has information and advice for British people travelling and living overseas.
Dan Howarth, our Head of Care said:
“Coronavirus or COVID-19 can cause more severe symptoms and complications in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes and you have symptoms such as cough, high temperature and feeling short of breath you need to monitor your blood sugar closely and call the NHS 111 phone service.
“People with diabetes who don’t experience symptoms and have recently travelled to any of the affected areas need to follow information on the NHS and the gov.uk websites, which are updated regularly and are the most up-to-date source of information available.”
It’s important to remember that the risk to individuals in the UK remains low. However, reports do suggest that coronavirus – or COVID-19 – can cause more severe symptoms and complications in people with diabetes, as well as in older people, and those with long term conditions such as cancer or chronic lung disease.
Specific advice for people living with diabetes
If you have diabetes and have been travelling abroad, and you think you may have been exposed to Coronavirus, the most up-to-date advice on what to do can be found on the NHS or government websites. There’s information on how to access this advice further down this page.While the risk of getting Coronavirus in the UK remains low, if you have diabetes and you become unwell for any reason, it’s important that you follow sick day rules, and that you closely monitor your blood sugar. You might find our advice on how to manage illness with diabetes useful.
Where to go for advice and information
The government has said it is working in close collaboration with international colleagues and the World Health Organization to monitor the situation globally.The government and NHS are continually updating their advice and information in relation to Coronavirus. These resources the most up-to-date information currently available, so we recommend you check them first if you have any worries or concerns.
The most up-to-date information about the outbreak, including information for returning travellers, can be found on the gov.uk website.
Tailored information for people living in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can also be found at:
The NHS also has up-to-date advice on what to do if you’ve recently returned from travel abroad, symptoms to look out for, and action to take if you become unwell.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has information and advice for British people travelling and living overseas.
Where to go if you need help
If you become unwell, in non-emergency situations, NHS 111 will be able to give specific advice. In an emergency, call 999 immediately.Dan Howarth, our Head of Care said:
“Coronavirus or COVID-19 can cause more severe symptoms and complications in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes and you have symptoms such as cough, high temperature and feeling short of breath you need to monitor your blood sugar closely and call the NHS 111 phone service.
“People with diabetes who don’t experience symptoms and have recently travelled to any of the affected areas need to follow information on the NHS and the gov.uk websites, which are updated regularly and are the most up-to-date source of information available.”
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