Information About COVID-19 for Those Living With Diabetes

If you suffer from diabetes, it is important that you have the right information on hand to help stay safe during this worldwide pandemic. Ultimate Health Clinic has put together a two-part guide that will help those living with diabetes stay as safe as possible.

The COVID-19 Disease

COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus. While coronaviruses, in general, have been around for a while, this specific virus strain is new. The first time the world learned about this virus was during December of 2019 in Wuhan, China.

What Symptoms Do COVID-19 Produce?

The COVID-19 virus produces a wide assortment of symptoms, the most common being a dry cough, fatigue, and fever. However, it is also possible to carry the virus while being completely asymptomatic. Other possible symptoms include runny nose, congestion, diarrhea, and sore throat.

During the early stages of the disease, the symptoms tend to be mild and increase in severity as the disease progresses. 80% of those who contract the virus will recover on their own. One in six will need special treatment when they contract the disease due to health complications and trouble breathing. It is common for those who suffer serious symptoms to develop pneumonia as a secondary condition.

How Can COVID-19 Be Transmitted?

You can contract the virus from an infected person or from surfaces that have been touched by an infected person. Some of the ways this virus spreads are:

• Drops from the respiratory system an infected person sneezing or coughing.
• Direct contact with an infected person (e.g. touching, hugging, shaking hands) and then touching your face.
• Touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Breathing in the droplets of a sneeze or cough of a person who is infected.
• Close contact with a person who has the virus.

Is COVID-19 Airborne?

According to current studies, COVID-19 is transmitted via respiratory droplets as opposed to it travelling through the air. A person who coughs or sneezes will release the virus into the air within a short distance of their person. Those droplets will fall to the ground or any other surface within their area, but they will not travel on the air to other parts of the room or through the ventilation system.

How Does COVID-19 Affect Diabetics?

Certain people in the population will face more complications from COVID-19 than others. This includes seniors, those with chronic illnesses, and diabetics. Minimizing exposure is the best way to prevent contracting the virus.

How Can I Prevent COVID-19?

Many initiatives are being put in place by health agencies across the world. Some suggestions to help limit you and your loved ones exposure to COVID-19 are:

• If you cough or sneeze, make sure that cover your mouth with a tissue. Then, you should dispose of the tissue and quickly wash your hands.
• Wash your hands well and often with soap and water.
• Make a point not to touch your nose, eyes, or mouth.
• Clean the common surfaces in your home with a bleach-based cleanser often.
• Reduce or cease all travel.
• Avoid people who show signs of any respiratory illness.
• If you feel feverish, or if you are having trouble breathing paired with a cough, seek medical attention ASAP.
• If you feel unwell, do not go into work or to school. Stay home unless your condition requires you to seek medical care.

Staying Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Ultimate Health Clinic cares about your health. If you feel unwell, you should call your doctor or phone into the nearest medical center for more directions. Do check out part two of our series on staying safe from COVID-19 for diabetics and if you have any questions, please contact our East Gwillimbury clinic at (905) 251-0162.