How COVID-19 Impacts People With Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that affects the blood as well as the immune system. It’s no secret that those with weakened immune systems are more at risk of COVID-19 than those without any preexisting conditions. But how does the Coronavirus interact with and impact people who have diabetes? Is there a different set of symptoms to look out for? Is it more likely that people with diabetes will get COVID-19?
Our internist Los Angeles, Dr. Gura, can provide some insight and advice for diabetes patients and COVID-19. While you are not more likely to get it because you are diabetic, there are some diabetes symptoms that could make you more at risk.
Here’s what you need to worry about – and what you don’t.
COVID-19 Vs. Flu: What’s the Difference?
As a diabetic person, you may already be trying to avoid the seasonal flu. This is because symptoms of the flu directly attack an already weakened immune system. While the Coronavirus is a different strain with more dangerous and unpredictable results, it is important to take the safety precautions recommended by the CDC to ensure you are not susceptible or at risk.
Symptoms to Look Out For
People with diabetes may have to look out for more severe symptoms of COVID-19. In addition to regular Coronavirus symptoms, you should also look out for signs that could indicate a flare-up of diabetes symptoms.
According to the American Diabetes Association, some of the biggest symptoms to look out for include:
- Sore throat
- Lack of taste in the mouth
- Dry mouth
- Fever or chills
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Diarrhea
- Confusion or misunderstanding
- Fatigue
- Bluish skin or lips
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or feel that your diabetes has exacerbated these symptoms, seek medical help ASAP.
Type 1 Vs. Type 2 Diabetes and COVID-19
There is still much research that needs to be done to find the true correlations between symptoms of diabetes and symptoms of COVID-19, as well as the likelihood of people with diabetes to contract this virus.
With limited data, there is some evidence to suggest that people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of contracting a severe illness due to COVID-19. However, there are other factors to consider as well, such as age and overall medical health.
So far, studies have shown that people with diabetes have worse outcomes from contracting COVID-19 than people who do not have diabetes.
If you already have diabetes-related health issues, you are more likely to suffer complications. Those with diabetes but who are in otherwise good health are less at risk.
How to Prevent COVID-19
The best thing you can do to protect you and your vulnerable loved ones is to treat your home as if it were a place of risk. This means you should wash your hands frequently, clean surfaces regularly, and disinfect the home often.
It may be a good idea to also create a space where you can be completely safe from any vulnerability. If you or someone else in your home poses a high risk of getting COVID-19 due to diabetes symptoms, make sure that you keep a consistently safe space to avoid all chances.
Protect Yourself from COVID-19!
Having diabetes can add some complicated medical symptoms and conditions to your life, making you at a bigger risk of contracting the Coronavirus. But with the proper knowledge and precautions, you can avoid any of these harmful symptoms and stay safe with your family and loved ones.
If you want to learn more about your diabetes symptoms and your risk for COVID-19, get in touch with our diabetes specialist Los Angeles today. Don’t wait until the symptoms get worse. Contact your doctor at the first sign that something is wrong.