How COVID-19 Impacts People With Diabetes

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that diabetes is among the comorbidities that increase the risk of contracting the virus. But what makes diabetes a risk factor for the coronavirus in particular? And how can you protect yourself against contracting COVID-19? Here’s what you need to know about diabetes complications as a result of viral infections.

What’s Your Risk Of Contracting COVID-19 If You Have Diabetes?

According to the WHO, having either type 1 and type 2 diabetes can increase your risk of contracting COVID-19. Having diabetes makes one more vulnerable to contracting most diseases as is (especially during cold and flu season).

However, in the case of contracting COVID-19, current studies have determined that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increase the risk for morbidity and mortality.

The theory is that hyperglycaemia (a symptom of diabetes marked by high levels of sugar or glucose in the blood) may cause a disfunction in your immune system’s response to the virus. This deficiency allows the invading pathogens to spread more rapidly in diabetic patients, according to a study published in Current Diabetes Review.

Diabetes Complications

Due to people with diabetes being more likely to have compromised immune systems, viral infections, like the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause serious complications:

Diabetic ketoacidosis

When you’re stressed or ill, your blood sugar levels may rise. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) happens when a person with diabetes does not have enough insulin to manage this drastic elevation. Your body begins to break down fats for energy, which results in a spike in ketones in the blood, making the blood more acidic. This makes DKA a complication that requires immediate medical attention.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is essentially an inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. Again, due to the immune-compromised status of people with diabetes, you may be at a greater risk of developing pneumonia as a result of COVID-19. This is why anyone with diabetes should be vaccinated against both pneumonia and influenza every year.

Dehydration

People with diabetes are already prone to dehydration on a regular basis. However, when infected with infections like COVID-19, you would be losing additional fluids due to fever, and your body fighting the infection.

High blood sugar

All infections cause a stress response in the body. This response increases your body’s production of glucose, resulting in much higher blood sugar levels. Therefore, your body is going to need extra insulin during a serious illness. If you’re ill, you should monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently. If you do see a spike in your blood sugar, consult your doctor on how often to administer this extra insulin.

Staying Safe From COVID-19 Infection If You Have Diabetes

Stock up on a few weeks’ worth of insulin and medical supplies

To avoid too many trips to the shops or to the pharmacy, try to stock up on basic supplies and a few weeks’ worth of insulin and medication. This is not to say you should stockpile so much medication that it will expire before you can take it. However, do get plenty of water, rubbing alcohol, ketone strips, glucagon, and foods like nuts and low-carb fruits to maintain blood sugar and electrolyte levels when you’re ill.

Arrange virtual communication with your doctor and local pharmacy

Many major pharmacies are offering delivery services, especially during the national lockdown. Keep in touch with you doctor, keeping him/her in the loop about your symptoms and blood sugar readings.

Practice social distancing

The coronavirus is known to spread fairly easily through infected surfaces (e.g. door handles and taps). These surfaces become contaminated by droplets from coughing and sneezing. Due to the latter, health authorities recommend standing at least two metres away from strangers.

If you suspect you may have contracted the virus: consult your doctor, wear a face mask, clean regularly used surfaces, and self-quarantining.

Keep an emergency contact on speed dial

If you find yourself with a shortness of breath or a persistent pain or pressure in the chest, you should seek emergency medical attention. Make sure you have a friend’s or family member’s phone number on hand in case you feel unwell. They should be someone, who is familiar with your history of diabetes and can help if you need it.