Diabetic? Prepare for the Second Wave of COVID-19

A weakened immune system is one of the reasons diabetics are at a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and aging, weaken the immune system, making it less able to fight the virus. In Israel, more than half a million people suffer from diabetes, putting this population at greater risk of both contracting the virus and developing complications from COVID-19.

How to properly prepare for the second wave?

• Early preparation - Prepare the room or house where you will stay to be comfortable for a long time. For diabetics, it is recommended to reduce the number of times you leave the house, so ensure that the place you are in will be comfortable and meet all your needs.
• Diabetes care supplies - Make sure you have all the necessary diabetes care supplies at home. Insulin, pods, and medications as needed in sufficient quantity for at least a month, a home glucose meter with appropriate and valid test strips, or preferably a continuous glucose monitor that allows 24-hour monitoring without pricks. A phone app that allows automatic updates to your doctor or close family about your glucose levels can give you peace of mind and help you manage diabetes comfortably and effectively, even in isolation.
• Ketoacidosis - Among diabetics, especially type 1, the risk of ketoacidosis (a life-threatening condition) increases when infected with coronavirus. Therefore, ensure that you have functional and valid blood ketone test strips at home and maintain balanced glucose levels over time. It is recommended that the test strips are suitable for fingertip testing (rather than urine) to provide more updated and reliable results.
• Shopping - Purchase dry foods (in moderation) to have at home, and make sure to cook and prepare homemade food as much as possible. Also, it is advisable to consult with a dietitian about diet plans and even recipes for making healthy, low-carb snacks or low-glycemic index snacks (which do not cause a significant rise in blood sugar levels) that will be readily available, so you don't end up reaching for unwanted snacks during difficult times.
• Low blood sugar levels - Since a feverish illness can cause both an increase in blood sugar levels and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), if you suffer from low blood sugar levels - below 70 mg/dl - it is recommended to prepare tablets in advance to raise blood sugar levels. It is also important to maintain normal levels for as long as possible.
• Exercise - Physical activity, even at home on a mat or in front of the TV, improves the body's response to insulin and is also crucial for improving mood. So prepare a thin mattress in advance to do a few sets of exercises. There are quite a few workouts available at different difficulty levels that can be easily done at home without special equipment.
• Hand washing - Be sure to wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. Additionally, disinfect and clean all frequently touched surfaces like handles and doors regularly.
• Social encounters - To avoid exposure to many people, avoid unnecessary social gatherings as much as possible, or conduct them digitally. If you need to be in a public place, it is advised to wear a fabric face mask covering both the mouth and nose, and keep a distance of two meters from others..

Prof. Julio Weinstein is the director of the Diabetes Unit at Wolfson Hospital and a senior diabetes physician at the DMC Center for Diabetes Care