It’s a simple question with a not-so-simple answer. That’s because diabetes impacts people in different ways. Whether they can avoid harm (and hospitalization) from Covid 19 may depend on their age, the number of years they’ve had diabetes, any complications they have, their type of diabetes, diabetes management, and precautions they practice—like hand washing, masking, and social distancing.
Of these attributes, only diabetes management and using caution can be controlled. Good control and management of your disease may help you avoid problems. Practicing CDC precautions may help even more.
Managing diabetes means relying on prescribed medication(s), such as insulin. It also means practicing healthy eating and sleeping habits, exercising, and taking precautions.
If people follow healthy habits and precautions, they may have a better chance of avoiding or at least improving the negative impacts of Covid-19.
Covid-19 and Diabetes
People with diabetes do not appear to be more prone to getting Covid-19 than the population at large. This may be due to precautionary measures that they take, though this has not yet been proven. It is known that patients whose diabetes is well-controlled are at less risk of getting very sick from Covid-19.
What is clear, according to research, “the emphasis for people with diabetes needs to be continued primary care, glycemic management, and vaccination to reduce the long-term impact.” According to the National Library of Medicine, it was discovered that, patients with diabetes are three times more likely to be hospitalized with Covid-19. However, through precautionary measures we can expect reduced cases in the diabetes population.
We also know that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from the virusthan from other ailments like the common cold.
For people who live with diabetes, those who are younger, those without complications (like heart disease, or uncontrolled blood glucose levels), and those whose diabetes is well controlled have better chances of emerging from Covid-19 with less complications.
On the other hand, people with secondary complications such as heart disease, obesity, or uncontrolled diabetes are at a higher risk of experiencing compromising and negative effects of Covid-19, as well as from any other serious viruses. In most cases, this is true no matter the type of diabetes. One exception is people who have type 1 diabetes.
According to a study by Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, patients with type 1 diabetes who are hospitalized with Covid-19 appear to experience more complications and higher rates of death.
Therefore, while all people with diabetes should use caution, the population with type 1 should be especially vigilant to protect themselves.
Insulin, Medications, and Covid-19
Most of us experienced Covid-19-related supply chain disruptions (remember the run-on toilet paper), and partially empty store shelves. Fortunately, insulin and most medications haven’t been affected—not in their production or in transportation and delivery. Throughout the pandemic, as always, it’s best to continue taking your medication, just as your healthcare provider prescribes.
Taking insulin and/or other diabetes medications is important because people with diabetes must remain as healthy as possible, and good health is a strong weapon against Covid-19.
That’s why taking insulin and/or type 2 diabetes medications like Trulicity, Saxenda, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, are important. These medications help keep blood sugar levels lowered and constant, thus managed. In short, the medications help to maintain a proper A1C, a reflection of blood sugar levels over time.
Most of these medications also help lower weight and improve the risk of heart disease. Remember, unmanaged diabetes can lead to complications that may ultimately put people with diabetes at greater risk for Covid-19 complications. Preventing side effects and complications can be avoided by proper diabetes management.
Staying Healthy During Covid-19
The potential negative impacts of a Covid-19 diagnosis are a reason to protectyourself and those you come into contact who may have a weak or compromised immune system.
Still, nearly 3 years into the pandemic, we find that precaution is just a little effort when life means so much. If you haven’t already, consider getting a CDC-recommended Covid-19 vaccine. The vaccines offer protection and haven’t been identified as interacting with insulin, except for some patients who’ve experienced higher blood sugars for 1-7 days or more after the vaccine. Closely monitoring blood sugars after a vaccine is always recommended.
Generally, it is important to follow diabetes guidelines to stay healthy while variants of
Covid-19 are still present. The guidelines may help you avoid the virus and the hospital:
Eat well and ensure you’re well hydrated
Eat well with generous portions of non-starchy vegetables, proteins, fruits, and even fats, all to achieve and then maintain your body weight goals. Your healthcare provider or endocrinologist likely provided a diet plan. If not, see the American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet guidelines here.
Drink plenty of clear fluids. How much? Here’s an easy rule for fluid intake: Drink several ounces every day that’s equal to half your body weight in pounds. If you weigh 150 pounds, then drink 75 ounces of liquids daily.
Get plenty of sleep
Did you know that proper sleep is good for diabetes management? If sleep isn’t a high priority, make it one. Enough sleep can positively affect blood glucose levels, provide more energy, and make you feel better. Particularly during Covid-19, sleep may be just as important as diet in keeping you healthy.
Take your medication as directed
Your healthcare provider has probably given you a plan. Medical prescription plans may change over time, therefore, be sure that you have a written list of the medications you are supposed to take, and when to take them. Keep this list handy, on your refrigerator or with your medications.
Exercise daily
Some people have continued staying inside—or at home—throughout most of the pandemic. Staying active while at home is important for diabetes management, and there’s plenty that you can do to keep active. Going for walks, lifting weights, practice yoga, stretching, working in the garden or performing housework—even just a light dusting, vacuuming or mopping—all work to achieve a healthy weight and strong body. You’ll benefit, too, from lowering your risks for chronic problems like high cholesterol and high blood pressure, too. Staying healthy at home isn’t difficult; it just takes some thoughtful planning. Why not create an exercise schedule while listening to your favorite music? Or, find an exercise program online. Check out these sites for exercise ideas:
- AARP
- Healthline
- Cleveland Clinic
- ADA
- ADA chair exercises
Everybody is Going Out and Having Fun. Should I?
Absolutely! It is important to let friends and family members know that you’re seriously wanting to protect your health. Because they care about you, they will do what is needed, such as distancing and using masks.
Lockdowns have been over for some time. Lots of people have resumed a somewhat normal life of going out for special occasions, movies, travel, and family fun. To avoid Covid-19, people with diabetes still need to practice safety precautions. It’s not hard, but it requires some strategies. For example, getting outside is fun, but when you’re among others, you might consider wearing a mask.
Covid-19 Symptoms & Warning Signs to Watch For
Know the possible warning signs and symptoms of Covid-19 that you should watch out for:
Fever/chills Sore throat
Diarrhea Rapid heart rate
Cough Muscle or body aches
Nausea or vomiting Dizziness
Congestion or runny nose Headache
Fatigue Loss of smell
Brain fog Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
Because the virus and its symptoms may change, take any unusual symptoms seriously, even if they are not listed above
The CDC recommends seeking immediate emergency medical attention (call 911 or call your local emergency facility) if these SIGNS/SYMPTOMS are evident:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- A new sense of confusion
- Difficulty waking up or staying awake
- Depending on a patient’s skin tone, they may have pale/gray/blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds.
If you do learn that you have contracted Covid-19, be sure to:
- Keep close track of your blood glucose levels. It is common to experience higher blood sugar levels
- Generally, higher than normal blood sugar can bring on infections, therefore, stay in close contact with your healthcare provider who may change your medication dosage(s)
Even with most restrictions lifted in the first quarter of 2022, Covid-19 hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise. Now that people have returned to pre-Covid-19 routines, avoid the virus and its complications by controlling what you can, diabetes management and Covid precautions. Just like your exercise routine, it only takes a little planning.