COVID19 and Diabetes ~ Why all the fuss?

Are Patients with Diabetes at Higher Risk of COVID19?

First, let's be clear and say that, in general, patients with diabetes are NOT at higher risk of contracting COVID19 (compared to adults of similar age/exposure).

The increased risk of diabetic patients in relation to COVID19 relates to their disease process and infection outcome. Although initially in the COVID19 pandemic the risk seemed higher in patients with type 2 diabetes, that may have just reflected the reality that most of the initial reports were on type 2 diabetic patients. At this time, it's unclear if there is a difference in risk for type 1 or type 2 diabetics--both are considered high risk with COVID19 illness.

Why!?!

• First, we have to understand that diabetes is not just simply a problem of glucose regulation in the body. Diabetes is a complex disease, involving and/or impacting just about every part of the body--from the smallest blood vessels to the lungs to the pancreas. In addition, patients with diabetes live in a pro-coagulative and pro-inflammatory state, even without any other illness.
• Second, the reality is that diabetes rarely exists in a vacuum. Older age and co-morbidities like cardiovascular disease and obesity often compound the risk that diabetes alone creates in an illness.
• Third, we have learned that COVID19 is an infection that is not just a lung infection--the infection is often systemic and impacts many systems in the body.

When these two systemic illnesses -- diabetes and COVID19 -- come together, the risk is compounded many-fold.

So What Should I Do?!?

First, STAY SAFE!  Try to minimize your risk of exposure to COVID19 as much as possible.

• If you can work from home, great! 
• When you need to go out, always wear a mask, keep distance from others as much as possible, clean your hands often and don't touch your eyes/face.
• Avoid crowded spaces, parties and other settings where it is difficult to maintain these standards.
• Ask people in your family to help protect you by minimizing their exposures as well. When they do this, they help create a bit of a cocoon around you and help keep you (and them!) safe.

Second, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

• Now, more than ever, it's important to keep control of your diabetes (or get in control of your diabetes!).  With a solid medical plan and diligence, you can do it!
• We at DDEC are here to help. Both in-person and telemedicine visits are available, and we are completely committed to helping you achieve your health goals.

This pandemic has already lasted many months, and is likely to continue for some time more.

Keep your resolve and keep your health!

STAY. HEALTHY. STAY. STRONG