Diabetes and COVID-19 – How can the risk for patients with diabetes be reduced?
COVID‐19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), is caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2) viral infection. It was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Just like its predecessors, SARS‐CoV, (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, SARS‐CoV‐2 is highly pathogenic and can cause severe lung infection, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure. Covid 19 death toll in India has crossed 35 lakhs as of 18th June 2021.
Diabetes and obesity are labeled as co-morbidities of the fatal infection, and there are also unique and complex interactions between diabetes medicines and other commonly used agents for diabetes mellitus‐related co-morbidities with COVID‐19 infection. Some of the promising Covid19 therapies are also associated with metabolic effects. Before we understand how to reduce the risk for patients with diabetes, we need to understand the risk factors.
Diabetes mellitus has been listed as the 3rd most prevalent co-morbidity, after cardio‐cerebrovascular disease and hypertension. Diabetes mellitus is a well‐recognized risk factor for all infections. The risk increases multifold with poor glycemic control. HbA1c >9% (glycated hemoglobin) has been shown to be connected with a 60% amplified risk of severe pneumonia. It is also related to a 2 ‐ 3 fold increase in complications.
Obese people with BMI >35 kg/m2 are at nearly 7 fold higher risk of needing intubation and ventilators. A recent study showed a lower BMI threshold of 25 kg/m2 for disease severity hierarchy in the Asian population. In addition, patients with microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes mellitus, as well as obstructive sleep apnea, were found to be at considerably more risk of severe infection and mortality.
So what can we do globally to decrease these high-risk factors?
As a means of prevention of severe Covid infection in patients with diabetes, we would like to declare June as the #diabetescontrolmonth
In order to facilitate easy blood sugar testing among the public, we are offering free random blood sugar tests using a glucometer to all those who walk into our clinics, along with FREE diet counseling during this #diabetescontrolmonth. Those with diabetes may check if they are in control. Those who have been affected by Covid or have been administered steroids and recovered may also check if their blood sugars have reached back to their normal levels. Because #bloodglucose one parameter that can affect one’s health and well-being greatly. Uncontrolled diabetes is one of the main reasons for serious complications pertaining to #Covid like #mucormycosis (#blackfungus). For appointments call 8939110000 or email appointments-gop@drmohans.com
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Authors: Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman & Chief Diabetologist | Ms. Umasakthy, Registered Dietitian Latent autoimmune…