The COVID-19 pandemic is the defining global health crisis of our time and it has become the greatest challenge we have recently encountered. Based on currently available information obtained from clinical studies, older adults and patients who have certain underlying medical conditions, especially diabetes and obesity are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Besides following all preventive measures recommended by health authorities, keeping blood sugar under control while remaining of a healthy weight can significantly reduce risks of developing serious complications in case of infection.
Significant risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease
Although, there is inadequate data to indicate whether people with diabetes and/or obesity are more likely to get infection with COVID-19 than the general population, clinical researches have suggested that diabetes and obesity are firmly associated with increased risk of COVID-19 complications or severe symptoms. Diabetic patients with uncontrolled blood sugar levels are more susceptible to develop severe symptoms, resulting in prolonged hospitalization and increased risk of death. In addition, risks of developing critical illness caused by COVID-19 in patients with diabetes or obesity rise proportionately to the presence of other pre-existing medical conditions, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.
Diabetes and COVID-19 disease
When patients with diabetes cannot control their sugar levels, they are generally at risk for a number of diabetes-related complications. When patients with uncontrolled diabetes develop a viral infection, it can potentially result in severe symptoms. There appear to be from the following reasons:
- Higher-than-normal blood sugar levels weaken the immune system, causing an impaired immune response. As a result, it becomes more difficult to fight against the virus effectively. Viruses can grow exponentially and spread rapidly.
- Having diabetes-related complications or other comorbidities in addition to diabetes increases the chance of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
- Viral infections cause body inflammation, leading to an elevated blood sugar in patients with diabetes. Poor blood sugar control effects immune system and fluid balance as well as worsens the co-morbidity and diabetes complications that patients already have had.
Nevertheless, the severity of COVID-19 disease has not been evidently related to types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Obesity and COVID-19 disease
Obesity is also associated with other underlying conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, all of which likewise increase the risk of developing severe symptoms or complications due to COVID-19 disease. People with obesity presenting with extremely high Body Mass Index (BMI) may have lower lung volume and limited lung expansion, resulting in an increases risk of respiratory complications when they have lung infection. Furthermore, clinical studies found that severe obesity is a major risk factor for prolonged hospitalization and critical care. Moreover, if obese patients with COVID-19 infection have critical conditions that need intubation, it will be more difficult to manage compared to non-obese patients.
7 health tips for people with diabetes and obesity
The preventive measures widely issued to the general public, for instance, frequent handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitizer, avoiding touching eyes, nose and face, wearing face mask and social distancing are doubly important for people living with diabetes or obesity. Besides these recommendations, additional advices include:
- Keeping blood sugar levels under control: Since patients with uncontrolled diabetes appear to be at increased risk of having a more severe COVID-19 infection, thus healthy blood sugar levels within normal ranges should be maintained. Regular monitoring suggested by specialists can help to avoid complications caused by high or low blood sugar levels.
- Maintaining physical and mental health: There are plenty of ways to keep body and mind active during the pandemic. To remain healthy, it is highly suggested to exercise regularly, get sufficient sleep, eat healthy diets with proper portions and reduce stress or manage anxiety appropriately.
- Drinking adequate water: Especially during summer, dehydration can potentially occur, causing elevated blood sugar levels. Thus, sufficient supply of water is essential.
- Prompt access to source of carbohydrate and sugar: Enough food, especially starch and sugar must be supplied at home in order to ensure that the situation can be readily corrected if blood sugar drops.
- Having sufficient medication supply: A good supply of medications for the diabetes or other underlying conditions must be assured especially if a self-quarantine for a few weeks is indicated.
- Having contact details in hand: All relevant contact details e.g. hospital’s phone numbers and doctor’s phone numbers must be prepared whenever medical assistance is needed.
- Medical attention must be sought if developing flu-like symptoms: If any respiratory symptom presents e.g. fever, difficulty breathing, cough, runny nose or sore throat, immediate medical assistance must be sought.
