What to Know about Diabetes & COVID-19
Even in a pandemic of unknowns, it is known that people who have diabetes face greater risks if they contract the virus that causes COVID-19.
“Patients with diabetes mellitusmay be at risk of suffering more severe complications,prolongedhospitalizations,greater mortality, and increased recovery timeafter they’re discharged from the hospital,” explainsGwendolyneAnyanateJack, MD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine, ֭Ƶ Medical College.
Researchers are still evaluating data to quantify the risk and are looking closely at how age,obesity,andother conditions may factor into the picture,Dr. Jackadds. In the meantime, patients with diabetes can take a number of precautions.
Take guidelines to heart.
Following the guidelinesfrom the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), patients are advised to:
- Practice social distancing
- Wear a maskthat covers the nose and mouthwhenin public spaces,orin the vicinity of otherswho do not live in your household
- Wash hands well and often (or use hand sanitizer if that’s not possible)
- Avoidlargecrowds
- Avoid touchingyour mouth, nose, or eyes
- Clean household surfaces regularly
- And avoidunnecessary travel
Communicate with your doctors.
“We’re urging patients to follow up regularly with either theirendocrinology teamorprimary care physician,” Dr. Jack says.Physicianscan helpadjust diabetesmedications.
She adds thattelemedicine has been a unique opportunity for many practices to offerprovide care for patients--without patients leaving home.
Doctors advise their patients to monitor their glucose levels regularly as recommended by theirendocrinologist.If possible,patients cansend their glucose logsoruse a cloud-based platform to shareglucose data with clinicians in advance ofatelemedicine appointment. For in-person visits, patients are advised to bring their glucose monitoring devices and/or glucose data to all visits, so that they canreview them with their physician.
Stay supplied.
Thealsoencourages patients with diabetes to keep at least a 30-day supply of diabetes medicines, including insulin, on hand.
“But if insurance allows it, a90-day supply iseven better,”Dr. Jack says. “It isimportantforall patients with diabetes mellitusto have the right medications.”
Control blood sugar.
“We need to emphasize that patients need to work with their medical teams to optimize glycemic control,” Dr. Jacksays.Sheadds:“That meansfollowing up regularly to ensure they areon the right doses of the right medications, and following a tailored nutritional and exercise plan.A team-based approach thatincludesan endocrinologist,certifieddiabetescare,an educationspecialist,diabetesnursepractitioner,andcollaboration withaninternist or other specialists is important for improving diabetes outcomes.”
Get a flu shot.
“Having both flu and the virus that causes COVID-19 could have disastrous results,” Dr. Jack explains.“We overall encourage and advise patients to get theflu vaccineso they have as much protection as possible.”
Viralinfections,includingCOVID-19,can increase blood sugar levels, Dr. Jacksays. It could even lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires prompt medical attention.Patients with diabetes mellitus—especially those who are insulin-dependent—should develop a “sick day plan” with theirendocrinology team.