Dr. V Mohan in his exclusive series on Diabetes, highlights 8 important precautions required to be taken by diabetes patients during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has created fear and panic for everyone, especially people with diabetes. It is true that the people with diabetes are prone to all types of infections: bacterial, fungal, and even viral. There is data to suggest that while people with diabetes may not be more prone to COVID-19, they certainly tend to develop more severe forms of disease and more complications. Moreover, even in those with infections like COVID-19, the chances of a secondary bacterial infection complicating the viral lung infection is also there. Hence, people with diabetes should take precautions with respect to COVID-19, as they already are in a slightly immuno-compromised state.

What general precautions should be taken to prevent COVID-19 infection?

As with everyone else, it is important to maintain good hygiene, particularly with respect to frequent washing of hands with soap and water and also with a sanitiser, if necessary, especially in a healthcare setting. If someone has cough, cold or fever, it is better to avoid contact with them. The spread of the virus is known to be through droplet infection. Hence, if somebody with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes, one is likely to catch the infection. One should follow all the usual precautions like wearing a mask is one of the effective ways of preventing spread of COVID-19 infection. ‘Social distancing’ i.e. keeping a distance from people who are likely to be infected. I prefer the term ‘physical distancing’.

What special precautions should people with diabetes take?

1. It is important to keep blood sugar under good control. Any infection is likely to increase the blood sugar levels and uncontrolled diabetes can further lead to worsening of the infection.
2. Increased testing of the blood glucose levels with a Glucometer or Continuous Glucose Monitoring may be necessary.
3. If the blood sugar levels are found to go very high, the patient should be advised to consult the doctor and bring the sugar under good control as quickly as possible.
4. Unless one has type 1 diabetes or severe insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes, where the sugar levels tend to go very high and signs of ketosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) develop, it is not necessary to get admitted into the hospital just for controlling the diabetes.
5. Although spreading of the infection through a needle used for blood glucose testing or insulin injections is highly unlikely, it is better not to share blood testing lancet or insulin needles with anybody else.
6. See that the patient follows a strict diet. The amount of carbohydrate (e.g., rice or chappathis) should be decreased while the protein intake should be increased. Intake of green leafy vegetables must be increased.
7. The patient should be advised to exercise regularly.
8. Medicines should be taken regularly.

In summary, all people with diabetes should be aware of COVID-19 infection and avoid coming into contact with an infected person and thus prevent the infection. Most importantly, it is important to keep diabetes under good control and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Disclaimer- The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M3 India.

The author, Dr. V Mohan is the Chairman & Chief of Diabetology at Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre & Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, India.