Diabetes and COVID-19

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the Coronavirus is a pandemic. Keep up to date with how the Australian government is monitoring and responding to the situation by clicking here. At this time, it is important to be prepared and to not panic. The WHO has listed some simple protective measures against the new Coronavirus such as :

• Wash your hands frequently
• Maintain social distancing of at least 3 metres
• If you or a family member is showing symptoms, call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus health information hotline 1800 020 080.
• Read more...

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Australian Government Depart of Health, COVID-19 has been declared as a serious public health threat – people with serious chronic medical conditions such as diabetes are at a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms and complications.

The American Diabetes Association encourages people with diabetes to follow the guidance of the CDC by clicking here and review how to manage sick days and protect yourself. If there is a prevalence of COVID-19 in your community, take extra measures to protect yourself such as practising social distancing. We will be providing regular updates on our blog, however we recommend you stay up to date by checking The Department of Health's Coronavirus Page for the latest updates here 

Make a plan before you get sick

Gather supplies:

• Phone numbers of your healthcare team, doctors, pharmacy and insurance
• List of medications and their dosage
• Simple carbs to help keep your blood sugar up if you are at risk of lows and are too unwell to eat (e.g. honey, soft drink, jelly beans)
• Extra refills on your prescriptions
• Enough insulin for the week ahead
• Extra cleaning supplies such as rubbing alcohol and soap
• Extra ketone strips and extra blood glucose strips

 If you begin to develop symptoms, call your doctor:

Look out for the COVID-19 symptoms, if you feel like you are developing the symptoms, call your doctor. The symptoms include sore throat, dry cough, shortness of breath and fever.

When you call your doctor:

• Have your glucose reading available
• Have your ketone reading available
• Keep track of fluid consumption
• Be specific about your symptoms
• Ask questions about managing your diabetes

For more information about COVID-19 and diabetes, follow the Australian Department of Health's guidance and recommendations that can be found Click here for more information.

This article has been written using the information provided by the CDC and the ADA.