Dr. Kalyan Gangopadhyay, the Endocrinologist consultant of CMRI, talks about the myths and misconceptions of diabetes starting from food habits to precautions.

Question & Answers

Question 1: Are patients with diabetes at more risk of contracting diabetes?

Answer:  Till now we do not have any evidence that just by having diabetes a patient is more prone to develop COVID. However, if a patient with diabetes contracts COVID then the complication from COVID is higher than a patient without diabetes.

Question 2: What precautions does a patient with diabetes take to prevent COVID infection?

Answer: Wearing appropriate masks properly, social distancing, proper handwashing, avoiding crowds – in short, the usual precautions for COVID applies to patients with diabetes perhaps with even more attention to detail. There are no other special precautions. There is no clear evidence that extra vitamins, minerals, or Hydroxychloroquine are needed to prevent COVID. A healthy diet including vegetables, fruits, and daily exercise does naturally improves the body`s defenses against all infections.

Question 3: Because of social distancing issues morning walks are difficult to manage – what is the alternative?

Answer: For patients with diabetes walking does not have to be in the morning but can be done at any time of the day. One may split the time of walking into two or three times a day. Walking does not necessarily have to be outside but can be done on the terrace, verandah, or inside the flat. Exercise bikes or treadmills can be made use of. A fixed routine helps in preventing swings of blood sugar. Many patients have reported a deterioration of their blood sugar levels because of the stoppage of their daily walks.

Question 4: Does good blood sugar control reduce problems from COVID infection?

Answer: Yes, good blood sugar control prior to COVID infection does help reduce serious complications from COVID infection. Hence, it is important that patients with diabetes pay even more attention to control their blood sugar levels in this pandemic situation.

Question 5: Because of social distancing issues, many patients prefer not to go to hospitals or clinics for their usual outdoor consultation – what is the alternative?

Answer: Although for a first-time consultation a face to face visit is always desirable, for patients who are already on follow up a teleconsultation can be done with the treating doctor. Some hospitals have started this facility and already a number of patients are utilizing this facility.

Question 6: Does COVID affect blood sugar levels?

Answer: We do not know for sure if COVID independently affects the blood sugar level but any infection can upset the diabetes control. Moreover, hospitalized COVID patients are given steroid medications to help fight COVID, which raises blood sugar to very high levels. Hence most hospitalized patients with COVID infection are given multiple doses of insulin and may also be discharged on insulin.