KEY POINTS

  • Type 2 diabetes is one of those conditions that you must be mindful of during a pandemic
  • Those with this condition are considered high risk and could suffer from a serious infection
  • There are ways on how you will handle the condition in case you become ill

Health experts have revealed that having a pre-existing ailment puts one at a higher risk of getting a severe COVID-19 infection. One of the illnesses identified by experts in type 2 diabetes.

Having this condition means that you have to be mindful of the symptoms, and the dos and don'ts related to the disease. Amid this pandemic and you start feeling ill, there are some steps that you can take to be able to handle type 2 diabetes.

Hydrate

It is recommended that you make sure that you keep yourself hydrated. As per Diabetes UK, when you're sick, and you have a high temperature, it could mean that you are at risk of becoming dehydrated. In the present situation, this could be fatal to your overall health.

One step you can take is to drink lots of water. Avoid sugary drinks or juices as these have sugar content, which will not be suitable for you. An alternative would be unsweetened drinks.

It is advised that you should keep on taking your medications for diabetes. If it comes to the point that you don't feel like eating, you still have to take your meds. You can also talk to your diabetes team in case you are unsure of what to do.

Also, closely monitor your blood sugar at home. This must be done round the clock, like every four hours, as reported by Express. This monitoring must include nighttime as well.

type 2 diabetes
A patient. PhotoMIX-Company - Pixabay

Those with type 1 diabetes must be more vigilant. One of the things to watch out for is ketones. The recommended level is generally at 15mmol/l, or if you are using an insulin pump, it must be at 13mmol/l.

Eat Healthily

You should keep on eating and drinking. If your body wouldn't take in food, or you are already vomiting, better seek medical help. These are among the signs that would tell you that your body is already facing a serious situation.

Having diabetes during this pandemic can be dangerous if the condition is not kept at bay. Try to remember the tips outlined here so that you will know what to do in the event that you get ill.

RELATED STORIES
Coronavirus Infection