Diabetes is an increasingly important health problem all over the world due to its frequency and problems it creates. Anadolu Medical Center Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who stated that the prevalence of diabetes in all developed and developing societies increased with the rapid change in lifestyle. Dr. İlhan Tarkun said, “COVID-19 can cause more serious symptoms and complications in some people with diabetes, obesity and related diseases. Various studies have shown that COVID-19 infection is more severe, the need for intensive care is increased and even more fatal in diabetic and / or obese people. However, if your blood sugar control is sufficient, the risk of COVID-19 infection is not that different from the general population. However, some precautions should be taken as a deterioration may be seen in the blood sugar control of people with diabetes infected with the virus ”.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) predicts that while the number of people with diabetes in the world was 2020 million by 463, this number will increase by 2045 percent by 67 and reach 693 million. Pointing out that people with a diagnosis of diabetes are not more likely to be infected with COVID-19 compared to the general population, that is, COVID-19 is not transmitted to diabetes patients more easily, Anadolu Medical Center Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. İlhan Tarkun gave important information on the occasion of 14 November World Diabetes Day.
Controls should not be neglected during the pandemic period
Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist, who said that the blood sugar regulation of patients is generally negatively affected due to the prolongation of the pandemic period, increased psychological stress, restriction of exercise, difficulties in complying with the diet. Dr. İlhan Tarkun said, “In this period, patients hesitating to apply to family physicians or hospitals and not going to their controls started to affect the course of the disease negatively. Disruption of blood sugar for a long time can sometimes lead to permanent irreversible damage to many organs such as eyes, kidneys, heart and nerve endings. Due to the prolongation of the process, diabetic patients should take necessary preventive measures, apply to health centers they deem safe and have their checks. He suggested that diabetic individuals with multiple diseases that are unfavorable to go out or very old diabetic individuals should contact their physicians by using remote communication tools ”.
General protection measures must be followed.
Underlining that general protection measures from COVID-19 are also valid for diabetic people, Prof. Dr. İlhan Tarkun said, “In other words, maximum attention should be paid to mask, distance and cleaning rules. Protection from the disease is much more important for diabetic individuals. Apart from this, there are some special conditions that diabetic individuals should pay attention to. People with diabetes should have the necessary materials and sufficient medication to monitor blood sugar at home. In addition, if he is at risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and is too fond of adequate food intake, he should have enough food containing enough simple carbohydrates such as sugary drinks, honey, jam, candy to help keep blood sugar high, ”he reminded.
Care should be taken to eat a healthy diet, to act and to take medicines regularly.
Underlining that regular use of medicines, proper and balanced nutrition, maintaining body temperature and adequate fluid intake are very important for diabetic patients. Dr. İlhan Tarkun said, “You have to act sufficiently in the home environment. You should take care of your medication needs. When the prescription date of your medicines approaches, you should contact your pharmacy and have your medicines prepared. You should have someone from the household who goes out regularly to bring your medication. If you are alone, you should try to take advantage of the services provided by relatives, neighbors or municipalities. "It will not be necessary to go to the health institution for your prescription, as pharmacies are authorized to dispense the reported drugs directly."
Diabetic individuals should prepare an action plan against COVID-19
Stating that it may be beneficial for diabetic individuals to create an action plan against COVID-19 in advance, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. İlhan Tarkun said, “If the patient's findings develop, it should be planned in advance which hospital or doctor to apply. If symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, inability to taste and smell, common joint and muscle pain appear, he should consult the physician or health institution he has previously determined.
Underlining that glucose and ketone values should be constantly monitored, increasing fluid consumption and following the recommendations of the physician regarding drug use, Prof. Dr. İlhan Tarkun said, “You should try not to skip meals, try to eat in smaller portions and more often. Only one person should take care of the patient. He should maintain as much social distance as possible with himself and the rooms must always be well ventilated. If possible, the duration of the meeting should not exceed 15 minutes. Especially those with multiple illnesses and / or those aged 65 and over should be avoided ”.
The virus can cause deterioration in blood sugar
Emphasizing that a deterioration can be seen in the blood sugar control of people with diabetes infected with the virus and some precautions should be taken, Metabolic Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. İlhan Tarkun said, “The treatment schemes used in COVID-19 infection are similar in individuals with and without diabetes. However, some drugs used in blood sugar adjustment in diabetic individuals may be discontinued or insulin can be added to the treatment according to the severity of the infection and the general condition of the patient, as suggested by your doctor.
Stating that the recommendations of the doctor (or diabetes team) regarding diabetes medications and blood sugar monitoring should be followed, Prof. Dr. İlhan Tarkun gave the following information about COVID-19 treatment in diabetic patients: “Symptoms such as hyperglycemia (urinating more than normal), being very thirsty (especially at night), headache, fatigue and drowsiness should be aware of. Blood sugar should be monitored every 2-3 hours during the day and night and plenty of water should be consumed. If blood sugar is below 70 mg / dl or below the target range, 15 grams of simple carbohydrates that are easy to digest should be eaten (e.g. honey, jam, hard candy, fruit juice or sugary beverage) and check blood sugar within 15 minutes to make sure sugar levels are rising. should be. If blood glucose levels are measured higher than 240 mg / dl twice in a row, blood or urine ketones should be checked. In medium or high ketone levels, a doctor should be consulted immediately. "
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