MOH has issued a guide for diabetics to be a reference during the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes methods of prevention and the necessary precautions to be taken.
Published on its “Live Well” educational platform and Twitter account, MOH’s guide covered important tips. It aims to help diabetics identify and deal with symptoms that require going to the ER. It also highlights the correct ways to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus. These include washing hands on a regular basis with soap and water, or an alcohol-based sanitizer, covering the mouth and nose when coughing, and using cloth face masks. Individuals must also keep a safe distance between one another, stay at home, and avoid touching contaminated surfaces then touching their faces. Moreover, they must maintain a healthy diet and avoid contact with individuals who show symptoms of respiratory diseases.
In the guide, diabetics were urged to keep important numbers, such as the number of the doctor following their condition and the number (937). Furthermore, they must ensure that they have all the equipment they need to measure blood sugar levels. This includes a glucose meter, test strips, etc. It is important to make sure these tools are properly stored. Diabetics must also keep sufficient diabetes medications at home, check sugar levels, and record the readings continuously, as well as follow a healthy diet plan and do simple exercises at home.
Specific steps must be followed when a diabetes patient shows certain symptoms. These symptoms could include fever, coughing, or shortness of breath. In that case, they must stay at home and call 937. Additionally, the guide has provided several tips for diabetics who have contracted COVID-19, such as drinking fluids continuously to avoid dehydration, monitoring blood sugar levels, and sticking to normal insulin intake.
Diabetics must head to the ER if they suffered from fainting, seizure, or symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis such as abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, impaired consciousness, and insulin breath smell. Other symptoms that require going to the ER include numbness or weakness on one side of the body like the face or arms, confusion or difficulty speaking, blurred vision, difficulty walking or loss of balance, sepsis or discoloring of foot wounds, and sudden vision change or loss.