World over, more COVID-19 deaths were reported in the presence of diabetes and similar co-morbidities. Many myths related to the outbreak of the disease are spreading globally. In such a situation getting the right information and strictly following it is very much essential. Keeping this in mind, we are presenting some of the useful information to our readers and patients to stay safe and to stay healthy.

      The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern and characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic on 11th March 2020 owing to its spread at an alarming level. There is no exemption of age for the viral attack. The common symptoms of the disease are like that of flu which a fever, cough, breathing difficulties, tiredness and muscle aches.

      The important fact to be considered here is that older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the corona virus. Therefore people belong to this category should take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19. In the case of patients with diabetes, when they develop a viral infection, it becomes harder to treat them due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels and the presence of other diabetes complications. As their immune system is compromised it will take a longer time for recovery from the illness and also the virus may multiply vigorously in an environment of elevated blood glucose.

      The recommendations that are being widely issued to the general public are doubly important for people living with diabetes and anyone in close contact with people living with diabetes.

      If you have diabetes follow these guidelines recommended by the WHO and the CDC:

      If you get sick, some common tips are as follows and may vary for each person: