Medically reviewed by
Dr. Francesca Wilkins
McLeod Endocrinology Associates
In 2013, actor Tom Hanks announced he had diabetes, and when he recently recovered from quarantine and a case of COVID-19, he posted a photo of a sterile glove hanging out of a biohazard bag.
Currently, there is no clear data that people with Diabetes Mellitus are more likely to get COVID-19 than the general population. However, people of any age with Diabetes Mellitus are at a greater risk of experiencing serious complications, including respiratory failure and death, if they become infected with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Information from China, where COVID-19 started, indicates that people with diabetes had much higher rates of serious complications.
People with Diabetes Mellitus may also have other medical problems, including high blood pressure, clogging of the blood vessels of the heart and low kidney function that puts them at a greater risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. To help you, here are some tips and plans to keep yourself healthy while avoiding the need to use a biohazard bag.
PROTECTING YOURSELF
To help protect yourself, heed the standard precautions: wash your hands thoroughly and often; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; avoid contact with people who are sick, especially those showing symptoms of COVID-19; and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, faucets, toilets, light switches and handrails.
Some Special Safeguards to consider include:
IF YOU GET SICK
For more information, check with your personal physician or find an Endocrinologist near you.
Sources include: McLeod Health, International Diabetes Foundation, International Diabetes Federation, American Diabetes Association, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists