Seniors citizens with diabetes are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 than seniors who do not have diabetes. Owing to COVID-19 and restrictions, the physician-centric approach of diabetes care in India that is focused on routine clinical visits is making a paradigm shift. Prevalent in senior citizens diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. Understanding this risk is very important for making sure that PWD (Person with diabetes) stays safe during the time of COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s look into some points which are useful to them,
How can PWD reduce risk from COVID-19?
Self management of diabetes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contribution of diabetologists on diabetes care during the time of pandemic
The government has not given any specific guidelines for PWD to follow during the time of the pandemic. Diabetologist emphasises the importance of good glycaemic control as it may help in reducing the risk of infection and severity. It is a must for senior citizens with diabetes to be more frequent in monitoring their blood glucose level. PWD with coexisting cardio disease require special care to stabilise their cardiac/renal status. The international diabetes federation has noted that “Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the COVID-19 virus because when people with diabetes develop a viral infection, it can be harder to treat due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels and, possibly, the presence of diabetes complications. There appear to be two reasons for this. Firstly, the immune system is compromised, making it harder to fight the virus and likely leading to a longer recovery period. Secondly, the virus may thrive in an environment of elevated blood glucose.”(quoting from International Diabetes Federation). Make sure the PWD has a good supply of the medications they need. If you know a PWD who is living alone, make sure they are well protected and have easy access to emergency care.
India is the home to the second largest number of PWD globally. In the current scenario of lockdown where everyone is taking necessary precautions, managing diabetes oneself at home may be quite challenging. As a saviour, online consulting has grown exponentially these days to help in self management. The major areas of focus one need to look out for are
EXERCISE - Exercise improves blood sugar which controls diabetes, reduces risk factors, contributes to proper weight, and improves overall well-being. Regular exercise delays or helps to stop diabetes development in senior citizens. Exercise also plays an important role in improving blood circulation and lowers the risk of heart diseases.
MEDICINE - Medicines are lifesavers of PWD, so to have at least one month worth of medications in hand at any point of time to be safe. Due to the pandemic, many medical supply chains are getting delayed making it harder to source medicines. Diabetologists these days offer online consultations for medications which have become a convenience for many PWD.
MONITORING - Everyone with diabetes should regularly test their blood sugar levels (aka blood glucose). Knowing the results one can adjust their strategy for keeping the disease in check. Ask diabetologists about your target blood sugar range. Also, work together to plan for how to handle blood sugar readings that are in extremes and know when to call your doctor.
Diabetologists are doctors who focus on treating diabetes. They have really helped PWD survive during this pandemic through regular online consulting, also in-person visits for critical situations and offering help in fighting against COVID-19 specifically for PWD. As previously stated PWD are more intensely infected by the virus and pose a greater risk for severity. Many hospitals in India have come up with action plans to assist people with diabetes during this lockdown. Since diabetes could be a prolonging disease and can not be treated in a single go, Diabetologists are leading the forefront in guiding seniors with diabetes daily or regularly.
This pandemic has shifted the way of the physician-centric approach of treating diabetes to a more self-monitored way of living. The government has not yet taken any steps or restricted PWD but considering the fact that the people with diabetes are more severely affected, one should make sure they take extra necessary precautionary measures to keep themselves safe. Diabetologists indeed deserve their recognition during these times of pandemic.
Author: Team 60plus India
Keywords used : Pandemic , Diabetes, Covid-19, How to manage diabetes at home?
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