Diabetes is a chronic illness that interferes with your body’s ability to control blood sugar levels. If someone with diabetes contracts COVID-19, the illness brought on by the novel coronavirus, they may be more likely to experience serious complications.
Here are some key points to know about diabetes and COVID-19:
Increased risk:
If they catch COVID-19, those with diabetes, particularly those with poorly regulated blood sugar levels or underlying health conditions, may be more likely to experience severe symptoms and complications. This entails a greater chance of being admitted to the hospital, dying, and entering the critical care unit (ICU).
Poor glycemic control:
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in diabetes patients may result in immune systems that are compromised, making it more difficult for their bodies to fight off infections like COVID-19. It’s essential for people with diabetes to effectively control their blood sugar levels and adhere to their healthcare provider’s advice.
Comorbidities:
Obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease are among the illnesses that diabetes is frequently linked to. The probability of catastrophic COVID-19 outcomes can be further increased by several comorbidities.
Prevention:
Diabetes patients should adhere to the preventive recommendations made by health authorities, including using proper hand hygiene, donning masks, keeping a physical distance, and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Diabetes sufferers who receive vaccinations have demonstrated to experience less severe disease.
Diabetes management:
It’s important for people with diabetes to continue managing their condition effectively during the pandemic. This includes taking prescribed medications, monitoring blood sugar levels regularly, eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and seeking medical advice when needed.
Emotional well-being:
Mental health has significantly suffered as a result of the pandemic. It’s crucial for people with diabetes to put their emotional health first by maintaining relationships with loved ones, asking for help from mental health specialists if necessary, and using stress-reduction measures.
Immune system compromise:
Uncontrolled diabetes can weaken immunity, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. When exposed to the COVID-19 virus, persons with a weaker immune system may be more likely to have severe symptoms.
Inflammation and oxidative stress:
Chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress can result from uncontrolled diabetes, which can also cause inflammation. These ailments may make it even more difficult for the immune system to successfully fight off infections like COVID-19.
Coexisting health conditions:
Health disorders that coexist with diabetes include obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and kidney troubles. People with uncontrolled diabetes are also frequently affected by these conditions. These factors may increase the likelihood of severe COVID-19 results.
Damage to blood vessels:
Diabetes can impede blood flow and harm blood vessels. This may have an impact on how oxygen and nutrients are delivered to important organs, such the lungs. If COVID-19 impacts the respiratory system, impaired lung function brought on by blood vessel damage caused by diabetes can make things worse.
Complications from hyperglycemia:
People with diabetes are more likely to experience complications if they have hyperglycemia, which is defined as persistently high blood sugar levels. Hyperglycemia can impair healing, reduce the body’s ability to fight off infections, and increase the risk of subsequent infections, all of which can exacerbate COVID-19 instances.
Microvascular and macrovascular complications:
Diabetes can have both macrovascular (damage to big blood vessels) and microvascular (injury to small blood vessels) consequences. Different organs and systems may be affected, rendering them more susceptible to the effects of COVID-19.
It’s critical for people with diabetes to successfully control their blood sugar levels in order to maintain adequate glycaemic control. This entails taking prescribed medications, maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and keeping an eye on blood glucose levels.
People can lessen the possibility of difficulties and enhance their general health by doing this, which will lessen the impact of COVID-19.
Remember, for individualised advice and the most recent information about diabetes and COVID-19, speak with medical experts or other reliable sources.
During these trying times, stay aware, take the appropriate precautions, and put your health first. Due to a number of factors, people with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to have severe symptoms if they catch COVID-19.
