Health and Lifestyle

Diabetes Self-Care Tips During This Pandemic

Dr. Veena Madhankumar

May 18, 2021 — 3 min read

COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges in the treatment of diabetes. Many routine clinic visits have been abruptly canceled to prioritize emergency care in order to protect the people from exposure to the virus. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19. Though the pathophysiology behind this is still unknown, it has been reported that severe and fatal cases with COVID-19 have occurred in people with other health illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiac illnesses. So stay safe during this pandemic and at the same time keep your blood sugar levels under check. Here are some self-care tips that all diabetes patients can follow during the pandemic.

gif1

1) Monitor Blood Glucose Level

Maintaining the blood glucose level reduces the risk and severity of any infection, which includes COVID-19. So more frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose level is required during this pandemic. Poor diabetes control has proven to affect the prognosis and increases the risk of infection.

2) Proper Diet

Maintaining a proper and healthy diet is one important tip to stay healthy. Pay a lot of attention to nutritious diets. Take in an adequate amount of protein. Stay hydrated. Prefer water over aerated beverages or any other drinks that contain sugar. Make use of teleconsultations if you have any dietary concerns.

3) Physical Activity

Practicing some physical activities is a part of routine diabetes self-care. Though this pandemic situation has restricted outdoor physical activities, some alternative physical activities can be practiced at home. Walk for 30 minutes a day. Exercise improves immunity, reduces back pain, increases energy, helps in proper sleep, improves mood, and has other potential benefits. The intensity of the physical activity differs according to your health condition.

4) Management of Stress

Maintaining proper mental health is very important during this pandemic situation. Stress is automatically aggravated by being locked up at home. You can make use of teleconsultations to discuss your stress and can get it sorted out. Spend quality time with your loved ones. There are various options like video calls to stay connected with your loved ones.

gif2

Content published on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek information from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website.

Also Read

Long COVID: When Recovery Feels Out of Reach

Ah, it still feels like one of the worst nightmares. For a few of us, surviving COVID-19 felt like a relief. But for so many of them, the journey still continues. Long COVID is that unwelcomed guest to the party – draining our energy, making us easily fatigued, bringing in clouds

Coping with Winter Depression

A bright sunny day stimulates our internal clock, uplifts our mood, and makes us feel active and energetic to start the day. On the other hand, long, dark winter days with less sunlight can cause restlessness, lethargy, or disinterest in work, which we usually enjoy. This may even lead to

Processed Foods: What Is Really Happening to Your Health?

Processed foods range from minimally processed, like washed and cut fruits and vegetables, to highly processed, such as ready-to-eat meals and snack foods. 1. What Are Processed Foods? * When we think of "processed foods," instant noodles, frozen pizzas, and sugary cereals might come to mind, but processing actually

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Speed Up Your Recovery!

1. What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a diverse approach that involves inhaling 100% pure and fresh oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. The chamber creates a high-pressure environment that allows your respiratory system to take in oxygen more efficiently than it would at normal air