Holistic Solutions For Diabetes Management Amid Covid-19

Digitalisation of services will ensure patients can still avail expert medical advice even during the lockdown

- Gautam Chopra

Over the past few months, as the coronavirus pandemic has been disrupting the lives of individuals and institutions worldwide, one fact is clear – people with pre-existing ailments are more susceptible. What complicates matters is co-morbidity can increase the mortality rate too. One section especially vulnerable to COVID-19 are people with diabetes.

Data from multiple studies across the globe indicate that patients with diabetes have an increased risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19 infection. This is not surprising because diabetics have weaker immune systems. What’s worse, diabetics can also develop cardiovascular ailments, hypertension and thyroid disorders, amongst other health problems.

Extra care and caution

Considering the dangerous cocktail of underlying health conditions and the adverse outcomes, it is imperative people with diabetes take extra care of themselves. Close family members also need to make sure people with diabetes are safeguarded from the additional risks of COVID-19.

Given the stringent lockdown restrictions, this is easier said than done. With movement outside homes strictly regulated, it becomes difficult for diabetics to undertake adequate physical exercise, which is necessary for keeping their health complications under check. That apart, patients need to ensure they receive regular medical supplies, including blood sugar monitoring strips. Also, they need to visit their doctor in person for direct consultation sometimes. Under the present scenario, much of the above can be challenging, depending on the zone where a patient is living.