COVID-19
The Coronavirus Disease, COVID-19, pandemic has turned the world gloomy and dark. The nations, including the developed ones, are progressing researches to control the spread and recover those affected. As of today, the number of COVID-19 affected patients has crossed 4.2 million and counting. The patients with diabetes, blood pressure, and ailments related to lungs/ heart and elderly citizens possess more risk than others do. In this article, we will see the precautions to be taken by sugar (diabetes) patients to prevent COVID-19. You may also consult an Ayurveda doctor for diabetic treatment in Ayurveda.
The health agencies and the World Health Organisation have promulgated precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Although the precautions have not been successful in stopping the spread, it has been helpful largely. Citizens have been directed to maintain a social distance of 2 meters with each other in public spaces, frequently wash their hands and wear facemasks in public.
It has been found out that there are 11 variants of coronavirus. Even though all the variants are similar in nature, the symptoms subsequent to infection are different. The doctors and scientists are still studying the different features of the coronavirus towards inventing vaccines for COVID-19.
Diabetes and COVID-19
People with diabetes face a high risk of COVID-19. They will have reduced immunity, which poses a threat of infection. The high blood sugar will also act as a “fertile ground” for the Coronavirus to grow and multiply.
The low resistance and immune conditions can result in a delay in the creation of antibodies. The coronavirus might spread uncontrollably, by the time the body prepares itself for the development of antibodies. The healing state of the body also will be down, due to which the person with diabetes (sugar) will face complications subsequent to COVID-19.
The coronavirus can also lead to complex diabetic problems like Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This may pose severe complications to COVID-19 treatment. And may prove fatal to the patient.
It has been observed that a certain percentage of patients develop sepsis during COVID-19. The treatment for sepsis for diabetic patients with DKA is also a complicated affair. In addition, the damages to the blood circulation system due to diabetes slow down the healing process.
How to Stay Away from COVID-19 if you have Diabetes (Sugar Disease)
- Ensure Availability of Adequate Grocery and Vegetables - An ample amount of food items and vegetables, mainly those containing Carbohydrates, must be available at home. The required items may be ordered online or from a nearby grocery store or superstore. Thus avoiding going to the public place. Most of the supermarkets and online stores have facilitated placing an order through WhatsApp, telephonically, or online. You may also change your shopping style according to the change in the scenario. Diabetes ayurvedic requirement necessitates avoiding some of the food items and following a particular diet pattern. Those who are undergoing sugar ayurvedic treatment need to maintain the same during the lockdown period too.
- Stock Sufficient Medicines - Medicines may be stocked based on your requirement for a month or so. Any of the medicine that is depleting in stock may be restocked. In case, if required, you can contact the medical shops known to you to supply the medicines at home. Alternatively, you can visit the medicine shop once and purchase all the necessary medicines. If you are pursuing ayurvedic treatment for sugar (diabetes), consult your ayurvedic doctor for directives. Ayurvedic medicines for diabetes may be obtained from the pharmacy as required.
- Check Blood Sugar Level Frequently - Check your blood sugar level frequently. Avoid a heavy diet that can increase blood sugar levels beyond acceptable limits. Grains rich with carbs could be the main food item in your palette. This will prevent a rapid rise in blood sugar.
- Workout Daily - The body may turn dull and less resistant to infections due to the inactive phase during the lockdown. You can begin simple ground exercises at home itself. It will aid in rejuvenating the body and improve metabolic activities. The workout may not be rigorous that will tire you too much. It may be limited to 30 minutes to 01 hours that will enhance blood circulation, improve digestion, and infuse freshness to the mind. Ayurveda prefers yoga for maintaining the body active. You may try yoga too, even if you are not undergoing Ayurveda treatment for sugar (diabetes).
Common Precautions
The following are the common safety precautions that are to be followed not only by sugar patients but also by everyone.
1. Social Distancing – You must maintain a social distance of 01 meters from other people in public places. Strictly avoid touching their body or conversation in close proximity.
2. Wear Facemasks – You must wear facemasks while in the public. Coronavirus mainly spreads through respiratory droplets. COVID-19 could be spread through asymptomatic persons too. Therefore, it is essential to wear facemasks.
3. Frequent Handwashing – The first thing you must do on returning from a supermarket or similar public place is to wash hands immediately. You must wash hands using hand wash or soap as per the procedure stipulated by the medical experts and for a minimum of 20 seconds. If hand wash or soap is not available, you can use hand sanitizer to cleanse your hand.
4. Consult Doctor – If you observed any of the symptoms of COVID-19, you must consult a doctor immediately.
5. Be Confident – Confidence in self is the most important factor to fight any critical condition. You remain active during the indoor activities of your choice and be hopeful of a better tomorrow. Your optimistic attitude combined with healthy food habits and efficient workouts will help you fight every situation.
What to do if you suspect Coronavirus infection?
The first thing to do if you suspect that you are infected with COVID-19 is to inform the medical department. The guidelines to be followed by different sections of COVID-19 patients are being amended and promulgated by the government from time to time.
A team of medical experts headed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is monitoring the conditions across the country and issuing requisite directives.
If your doctor or medical team instructs you to remain in home-quarantine, you need to remain in a room avoiding interactions with others. You should use separate utensils and other items. Avoid physical interaction or touching any other family member.
The disease can cause dehydration even though you may not realize it. You need to consume water at frequent intervals. Keep a sufficient quantity of water close to you for the same. Although you may not feel appetite, you must try to consume a healthy diet.
The frequency of blood sugar level tests must be increased. So that you have a close watch on the change in your blood sugar levels. The medicines prescribed for COVID-19 can also result in an increase in blood sugar reading. Your doctor needs to be consulted before the consumption of the medicines and necessary steps to maintain the blood sugar within the limit to be followed.
Immediate medical help must be sought in case of symptoms of COVID-19 are confirmed. Your recent blood sugar and ketone levels must also be made available to the doctor, who is treating you for COVID-19.
