Husna, Amity University Kolkata
COVID-19 is a highly contagious viral infection that can mainly affect the respiratory system. It is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus which has the ability to mutate. Due to frequent mutations, the COVID-19 strains are highly virulent and tend to infect more rapidly, leading to a rapidly evolving pandemic. The impact of covid-19 on the diabetic patient was not known initially. But it is evident that complications in diabetic people can be fatal due to their weak immune system if they contract covid-19.
Diabetic patients need to take special care because diabetes carries with it various associated comorbidities such as heart ailments, blood pressure, kidney diseases, etc. When the blood sugar level is high it is easier for the virus to invade the lungs and attack the pancreas which further worsens diabetes. So when a host of such conditions come together, it is hard for one’s body to fight the infection with compromised immunity.
According to CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention), the complications can be more severe if people with diabetes and obesity contract COVID-19 infection. However, diabetes is not the death sentence for those who test positive for COVID-19 if their diabetes is managed well, then the risk of getting severely ill is likely to be lesser.
So self-care for diabetic patients is very necessary during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Here are some essential tips to be followed:
- Keep a check and manage blood sugar levels by staying active at home, doing yoga, or brisk walks for at least 20 minutes indoors.
- Taking medications as directed by a doctor.
- Eat a well-balanced, healthy, and fiber-rich diet. Avoid sweets and fried foods.
- Keeping the track of fluid consumption is very necessary, make sure to stay well hydrated.
- Maintain proper hygiene by washing or sanitizing hands frequently. Disinfect the handles, doorknobs, etc.
- Wear a double face mask in public settings to avoid getting infected by the virulent strain.
- If a person is diabetic and Covid positive then he/she should avoid overdose or misuse of steroids because it might lead to the black fungal infection (mucormycosis).
- Maintain good oral hygiene by doing gargles/betadine gargles
Although the pandemic has taken a toll, we can defeat it by ensuring that hygiene and social distancing are being maintained properly.
Also read: Antimicrobial surfaces to reduce bacterial build-up on medical instruments
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