7 Precautions People With Diabetes Should Take During The COVID Pandemic

by Vikrant Salve

Covid-19 has left all of us packed under one wall, changing our eating habits and daily routines. Nowadays, every next person is prone to this disease. Diabetes being an unignorable disease requires a strict diabetes treatment plan, which takes commitment day and night. Timely diabetes checks can reduce the risk of serious complications - even life-threatening.

 

  1. Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

Excess alcohol intake can cause low blood sugar, and moderate intake can raise the blood sugar level. Smoking increases the risk of diabetes, including:

  • Decreased blood flow to the legs and feet, which can lead to infection, and ulcers
  • Heart disease
  • Liver swelling

  • Kidney disease
  • Premature death

Consult the doctor about ways to help you quit smoking or to use other not so harmful alternatives. Monitoring blood sugar and blood glucose level at home every alternate day becomes primarily important especially if you have been a regular smoker or alcoholic in the past few months.

  1. Exercise daily! 

Schedule two to four diabetes check a month, in addition to your regular physical tests. Exercising can go a long way in controlling high blood pressure. 

During the blood sugar test, your doctor will use a sugar check machine and ask you about your level of healthy eating and look for any diabetes-related problems - including symptoms of kidney damage, nerve damage, and heart disease - and a screen for other medical issues. 

  1. Taking vaccines on-time

Diabetes makes it easier for you to get certain diseases. Ordinary drugs can help prevent it. Ask your doctor about:

  • Flu vaccine: A flu vaccine can help you stay healthy during the flu and prevent serious flu complications
  • Pneumonia vaccine: Sometimes, a pneumonia vaccine requires only one shot. If you have diabetes problems or are 65 or older, you may need a booster shot
  • Hepatitis B vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for adults with diabetes who have not received the vaccine before and are under 60 years of age
  1. Tooth Care

Diabetes can leave you prone to gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and schedule dental tests at least twice a month. Call your dentist if your gums bleed or look red or swollen.

  1. Foot Care

High blood sugar can slow blood flow and damage the nerves in your feet. If it is left untreated, cuts and blisters can lead to severe infections. Proper Diabetes check can help you overcome pain, numbness, or loss of sensation in your feet.

 Prevention of foot problems:

  • Wash your feet daily with warm water. Avoid getting your feet wet, as this can lead to dry skin

  • Wipe your feet gently, especially between the toes

  • Wipe your feet and ankles with lotion or petroleum jelly. Do not apply oil or cream between your toes - excess moisture can lead to infection

  • Check your feet daily for bumps, blisters, sores, redness, or swelling

  • Do not walk barefoot, indoors or outdoors


  1. Aspirin Dose

If you have diabetes and other risk factors for the heart, such as high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend taking a low dose of aspirin daily to reduce heart attack and stroke risk. If you have dangerous cardiovascular symptoms, the risk of internal bleeding from using aspirin may outweigh any benefits of using aspirin. Ask your doctor if daily aspirin treatment is right for you, including what aspirin strengths might work best.

  1. Eat healthy!
  • Oil and Peanuts: Olive oil, peanut oil, or sesame oil positively affect our health. Eating an ounce of nuts has shown better control of sugar, improving heart health.
  • Ground-based food: Fill a large portion of your plate with vegetables. Make sure your body gets fibre and plenty of nutrients and minerals that ensure diabetes control.
  • Add whole grain: Make sure you include whole grains in any 3 / fourth meal. Whole-grain fibre prevents the increase of sugar level in the blood and at the same time provides many essential nutrients and minerals. 
  • Protein: Protein not only leads to a healthy body, but it also contributes to increased appetite. According to the National Institute of Nutrition's ongoing guidelines, high protein preservatives in foods with very low carbs seem to control high blood sugar. They show positive results in the blood sugar test machine. 

 

Your safety is our priority! Stay safe by adopting the above healthy habits. 






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