Sunday, 1 November 2020

Diabetes and the coronavirus: What you should know

From siouxlandnews.com

With the coronavirus still posing substantial risks to certain populations, individuals world-wide are constantly worrying about whether they're "at-risk." At-risk populations are those with certain predisposing conditions that make them more vulnerable to contracting the virus. These conditions are almost always health-related, including survivors of cancer, heart disease, smoking, and more. Type I and II diabetes are no exception.

Does diabetes increase your risk of contracting the virus?

In short, no. Or, at least scientists are not exactly sure whether a diabetes diagnosis makes affected individuals more susceptible to COVID-19 than other populations. What they do know is that people who are battling diabetes may have a worse experience if the virus is contracted than those who are diabetes-free.

If you have diabetes, you may be subject to serious complications if the virus is contracted. Older populations are at much greater risk, too. It doesn't matter if you have type I or type II diabetes; you need to be extra careful regardless. Some of the steps you can take to increase your odds of safety include:

Wear a mask whenever you are in close contact with individuals you don't know. If possible, even wear a mask around those you know — just in case.

  • Maintain a safe distance between you and others. Six feet whenever possible.
  • Wash your hands regularly and always choose soap and water over hand-sanitizer, as hand-sanitizer kills the good bacteria that help fight off infection, too.
  • Get tested if you feel sick and self-quarantine, not only for your safety but for the safety of others.
  • Manage your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar in check. If your blood sugar levels fluctuate (one of the primary concerns for those with diabetes), you will have a more challenging time fighting off an infection if it enters your body. COVID-19 increases swelling and inflammation, which can also be caused by above-target blood sugar levels. The combination can be severe, so speak with your doctor and closely monitor your specific situation — especially if you do happen to contract the virus.

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