Diabetes Self-Care Tips During This Pandemic

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.

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.

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.