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:

• Social distancing is something people with diabetes must actively do. Avoid situations with people in an enclosed space, even at home. Avoid super markets and all public gatherings.
• Check to see that you have sufficient medication and testing supplies to last at least a month. This includes glucagon and ketone strips.
• Keep a list of your medications, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, in case you come down with COVID-19.
• Have phone numbers handy for your physician and pharmacy.

IF YOU GET SICK

• Call your physician or contact a Telehealth and have this information available:
  • Glucose and ketone reading levels.
  • A record of your fluid consumption.
  • Your symptoms – cough, shortness of breath, fever.
• Avoid dehydration by drinking small sips of fluid every 15-minutes.
• Check your blood sugar more frequently – every 2-3 hours day and night.
• If you experience low blood sugar below 70 mg/dl (or your target range), take some simple carbs, such as honey, Jell-O, jam, hard candy or popsicles.
• If your blood sugar is too high (blood glucose greater than 240mg/dl) more than twice in a row, check for ketones to avoid Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
• Discuss with your physician the use of extra insulin.

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