Diabetes and COVID-19

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Covid-19 has been declared as a serious public health threat – people with serious chronic medical conditions such as diabetes are at a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms and complications.

The ADA encourages people with diabetes to follow the guidance of the CDC and review how to manage sick days and protect yourself. If there is a prevalence of COVID-19 in your community, take extra measures to protect yourself such as practising social distancing.

Make a plan before you get sick

Gather supplies:

• Phone numbers of your healthcare team, doctors, pharmacy and insurance
• List of medications and their dosage
• Simple carbs to help keep your blood sugar up if you are at risk of lows and are too unwell to eat (e.g. honey, soda, jelly)
• Extra refills on your prescriptions
• Enough insulin for the week ahead
• Extra cleaning supplies such as rubbing alcohol and soap
• Extra glucagon and ketone strips

 If you begin to develop symptoms, call your doctor:

Pay attention for the COVID-19 symptoms, if you feel like you are developing the symptoms, call your doctor. The symptoms include sore throat, dry cough, shortness of breath and fever.

When you call your doctor:

• Have your glucose reading available
• Have your ketone reading available
• Keep track of fluid consumption
• Be specific about your symptoms
• Ask questions about managing your diabetes

 For more information about COVID-19 and diabetes, follow the ADA’s guidance and recommendation. These can be found here.

This article has been written using the information provided by the CDC and the ADA.