Diabetes & Coronavirus: 7 Precautions to Take
Two diabetic experts manifest on things that should be done to handle the condition and support immunity.
With thecoronavirus pandemic In full swing, it is important that those who arehigher risk To have unfavorable complications with the disease remain as healthy as possible during this period. People with diabetes are considered a higher risk, but why can be a misconception.
If anyone has type 1 diabetes, are they considered immunocomized? How about people with type 2 diabetes?
Technically, no. WhileType 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and although some studies suggest thatType 2 diabetes can be an autoimmune disease In addition, both conditions (currently) do not seem to affect the immune system as long as appropriate measures are taken to manage symptoms. This can be achieved, for example, through the diet, exercise and management of blood glucose (sugar levels).
"Although current research supports the fact that those with type 2 type 2 diabetes are more subject to bacterial and viral infections, we always expect a better understanding of the exact physiology of it to better create a solution ", declares the certified diabetes educatorMaryann Walsh MFN, RD, CDE. "What we know is that there is an inflammatory response that occurs following the immune system that responds to high blood glucose."
In other words, if blood sugar levels become too high, the living cells of the body can be damaged, which then causes the release of a signal to the immune system, allowing it to know that something does not know that something does not know anything do not go. On aCurrent review of diabeteswhen a person with diabetes experiment with hyperglycemia (the state in which blood sugar levels are too high), we believeoddThe immune response of the body, "which makes it possible to adequately control the propagation of invaders pathogens such as bacteria or viruses that can cause disease," says Walsh.
So having diabetes does not automatically make an immunocomodal person. But if the condition is not managed correctly, other complications can occur in such a way that could then pose a threat to the immune system.
"According toJDRF, a person with type 1 diabetes that has their well-managed state and under control is not at any increased risk compared to a person without type diabetes 1. It is when blood glucose levels are not well controlled. That there is a concern to become more likely, "says Walsh.
In order for anyone with diabetes to be at risk of contracting a disease this spring, we made a list of seven things that each with diabetes should be aware of the pandemic.
First, if you have type 1 diabetes, you need to know ...
Continue regularly monitoring your blood glucose levels
This step is imperative for a person with type 1 diabetes to take to maintain good health, no matter if there is a pandemic or not.
"Keep a narrow eye on your blood sugar with a continuous glucose monitoring system or frequent checks with blood glycemore," says Toby Smithson, MS, RDN, CDCES, founder ofDiabetes every day and author ofPlanning meals of diabetes and nutrition for dummies. "Constant high blood glucose levels can reduce the responsiveness of your immune system."
Store up to 3 months of insulin
"Experts recommend that people with type 1 diabetes should be careful to maintain a feed of 30 to 90 days from their insulin and their medications, as well as food and snack to correct the" Bung "of blood glucose And if it is concerned about the pharmacy or grocery store, the use of delivery services can be useful, says Walsh. "In addition, many medical practices use telehealth technology, then regularly communicate regularly with your doctor or Your health care provider if you need prescription refills. "
Now, if you have type 2 diabetes, you need to know ...
Too much eating could alter your immune system
"As mentioned, high blood glucose levels can affect the ability of the immune system to effectively protect the body from pathogens, which takes additional precautions to manage blood sugar is very important at this time," says Walsh. "Many are concerned about the meal had to be more at home and having a stock of food and snacks at your fingertips, then use a food tracking application like myfitnesspal can help people with type diabetes. 2 To better keep a trace of food consumption every day, especially carbohydrates and sugar taking. "
Exercise is particularly important at this time
Smithson points out that a person who has diabetes in addition to other underlying health conditions is more likely to have weakened the immunity and a higher risk of becoming sick.
"For example, two people on three diabetes attacks [also] have high blood pressure. The addition of physical activity in any form whatsoever can help reduce stress and maintain blood glucose and levels arterial pressure on the target, "she says. "Start with ten minutes walk outside your home or apartment or using canned vegetables as weight of the hand."
RELATED: 5 ways to stimulate your immune system naturally, according to health professionals.
Monitor all blood glucose levels daily
People with type 2 diabetes are notalways educated by health professionals To monitor their blood sugar levels - something essential for those who have type 1 diabetes to do. However, in the middle of the Coronavirus Pandemic Walsh recommends that people with type 2 diabetes begin to check their blood glucose level at least once a day if they do not already.
"People with type 2 diabetes should be further diligent at present monitoring of daily blood glucose levels and to make daily skin and feet checks to capture problems that may result in infections before. Becoming serious or hospitalization. Regular communication with your doctor should occur if problems are in place, "she says.
If you have either a type 1 diabetes or type 2, you need to know ...
Store your kitchen with healthy foods
"Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2, a healthy power plan is essential to managing diabetes. And, during this intensive stress time, an emotional or stressful power supply can push your blood glucose out of the target ", Remember Smithson. "Store your kitchen with healthy food options such as almonds, fruits and vegetables."
Smithson also says that some studies have indicated thatAlmonds can reduce blood glucose levels After consumption, which can calm the hunger of the pain and keep you satisfied, longer.
Finally, if you are a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes, you need to know ...
Following food consumption, carbohydrates especially
Gestational Diabetes is characterized as having a high blood glucose during pregnancy.
"Like people living with type 2 diabetes, women with gestational diabetes will want to be additional precaution in blood glucose management to prevent any complication requiring hospitalization," says Walsh. "Regular blood glucose monitoring, consistency with insulin schemes, if it is on insulin and carbohydrate monitoring and overall food consumption can be useful for managing blood sugar."