5 tips for diabetics under COVID-19 outbreak

On Feb 22, the National Health Commission has changed the official English name of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus to COVID-19, adopting the title created by the World Health Organization.

Although the epidemic outbreak has been going on for more than 3 months, it is still on the point moment control to curb the spread, especially, the infection cases are increasing in the other countries, like Japan, South Korea, Iran，etc.

Among the deaths reported by the national health commission, found that most of them were elder patients with chronic diseases, including diabetes. As diabetics are in the state of hyperglycemia for a long time, the plasma osmotic pressure increased, the phagocytosis of white blood cells had been inhibited, and the body immune system declined, which are the reason why diabetics are susceptible to COVID-19 infection.

Below advices are for diabetics to stay a good health under epidemic and quarantine.

1. Sufficient medicines are the most important, such as medicines, blood glucose test strips, insulin needles, etc.

Under epidemic, in order to reduce the risk of hospital-visit infection and avoid crowds, many patients may be passively discontinued their medications, which might greatly increase the risk of inducing diabetic ketoacidosis and other acute complications. Regular medication is a prerequisite for keeping glucose level under control, and stable blood glucose level helps the body fight against COVID-19.

It is recommended that the diabetics should be prepared for 2-4 weeks of medicines, to ensure a continuous medication and detection.

2. Timely monitoring of blood glucose to ensure long-term and stable blood glucose level under control within the target range is the top priority for diabetics, and regularly blood glucose test at home is very important.

If blood glucose level is under control, FPG and 2hPG testing at least 1-2 days per week are necessary. If the blood glucose level is a little out of control, it is recommended to monitor every day, also need to adjust the diet and medication, and let the blood glucose return to "calm" as soon as possible.

In addition to measurement, they should also record or photograph their blood glucose testing results. They should actively keep their doctors informed about their blood glucose through phone calls or text messages when they can't go out. They should not ignore the blood glucose swings or consult people without professional qualifications.

3. Do a good job of disinfection at home to choose the right disinfection goods. The virus is sensitive to ultraviolet ray and heat, 56 degrees Celsius 30 minutes, ethyl ether, 75% ethanol, containing chlorine disinfectant, peroxyacetic acid and chloroform and other lipid solvents can effectively destroy the live virus, however, chlorhexidine cannot effectively destroy the live virus.

4. Fight against COVID-19, the most effective way is to cut off the source of infection and minimize time away from home. When you have to go out must remember wearing a mask and do the disinfection after back home, preventing infection virus, undertaking self-protection, washing your hands more.

5. Pay attention to stay a nutrition and healthy diet, keep exercising and avoid sitting for long periods of time. Exercise is also one of the key items to keep glucose under control, increase insulin sensitivity, and help complete the metabolism of glucose and other carbohydrates. Middle-aged and elderly diabetic patients can walk up and down in each room at home, lasting 15 to 30 minutes. Do the housework or play with the child until you start to perspire are also the good ideas.

It is undoubtedly the best support for first-line medicals to do a good job in doing blood glucose monitoring at home, deal with pneumonia outbreak scientifically, reduce the number of medical visits, and timely identify the symptoms of high risk and urgent need for medical treatment.

As long as all of us are taking arduous efforts to contain the novel coronavirus epidemic and displayed a positive and responsible attitude, we will win the battle against the virus.