Doha, 14 March, 2020: Professor Abdul Badi Abou Samra, Director of the Qatar Metabolic Institute and Chairman of Internal Medicine at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is urging diabetics in the country not to panic but says it is important they take extra precautions to guard against COVID-19.
“People with chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, have lower immunity levels than healthy people. Therefore, it is important they take extra precautions by practicing good personal hygiene and not sharing food, glasses, and towels, and avoiding contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illnesses. They should also seek medical care in case they feel sick,” said Professor Abou Samra.
“Like other respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 spreads from one person to another through air droplets that are dispersed when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. The virus can also be spread through close contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces contaminated with air droplets and then touching the mouth or nose. Therefore, hand hygiene and social distancing are essential for protection from COVID-19,” said Professor Abou Samra.
In addition to taking precautions such as thorough hand washing and avoiding contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, Professor Abou Samra says it is important that people with diabetes follow the guidance provided by their healthcare team for how to manage sick days.
“It is important to make a list of your medications and their dosages. If you have type 1 diabetes, ensure you have a good supply of glucagon and ketone strips. It is also important to ensure you have enough insulin and medication for a couple of weeks, should you be too ill to get prescriptions refilled. If you are at risk for hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar as soon as you feel any symptoms and if your blood sugar is low, drink a cup of juice or have three pieces of sugar,” said Professor Abou Samra.
Professor Abou Samra says patients should never hesitate to contact their doctor if they have questions about managing their diabetes, especially if they feel unwell. He says it is important to immediately contact your doctor if your blood sugar is over 300 mg/dl for two tests in a row (in a two-to-eight hour period), if you find ketones in your urine, feel sleepier than usual, have trouble breathing, can’t think clearly, have diarrhea, have an infection, vision, speech, or balance problems.
“Most diabetics will be very familiar with how to care for themselves during sick days, but if they have any questions they should consult their healthcare team. It is especially important they talk to their doctor about any changes to their diabetes medications when sick, and also what medications they can take for colds, flu, viruses, and infections,” said Professor Abou Samra.
