Following the Fourth Wave: Diabetes Management Becomes Even More Critical During a Pandemic

The Indian variant of the coronavirus puts Israelis in a stressful situation. Whether due to the increasing number of confirmed cases or the talk of another lockdown, the situation is even more stressful for diabetics. After the last waves of COVID-19, it was observed that diabetics are in a risk group and need to take extra precautions. However, a new study published in a prestigious journal shows that well-managed diabetics are not at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels are dangerous at any time. A study examined the connection between the coronavirus and diabetes, finding that diabetics are at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, eye problems, and COVID-19 complications. These findings necessitate strict and careful management of blood sugar levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after cardiovascular diseases, diabetes is the second most common health condition linked to severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients, making individuals with diabetes six times more likely to fall severely ill compared to those without underlying conditions.

Despite the concerning findings, simple diabetes management can prevent serious risk situations. A recent study conducted in China, published in the renowned journal Cell Metabolism, found that among diabetics who contracted COVID-19 and were well-managed, the mortality rate was lower compared to those with uncontrolled diabetes.

Diabetes itself is a risk factor for more severe illness from COVID-19, and avoiding emergency room visits can worsen health conditions, potentially leading to more severe COVID-19 illness, which we want to prevent. It is important not to fear seeking medical care if treatment is needed to better control blood sugar levels. Persistent high blood sugar levels can lead to long-term complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and limb amputations, as well as eye and vision problems, including blindness. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels also weaken the immune system. It is vital for individuals with high blood sugar to stay in touch with their clinic team, and remote medicine is an accessible and effective tool for maintaining regular contact with the healthcare team.

The study presents some important principles in diabetes management:

1. Take medications consistently and ensure a sufficient supply stored under the conditions indicated on the packaging.
2. Regularly check blood sugar levels, preferably using a continuous glucose monitor without pricking, and make necessary adjustments to insulin and diet to maintain control.
3. Manage stress levels: Increased stress can cause blood sugar levels to become unmanageable.
4. To manage blood sugar levels and avoid unnecessary stress, maintain strong social support networks and healthy relationships, engage in physical activity—at least 150 minutes a week, even at home—get enough sleep, maintain a relaxed lifestyle with relaxation practices, and utilize breathing exercises, mindfulness, meditation, and music, while strictly adhering to safety guidelines to avoid exposure to the coronavirus—keep distancing and wear a mask in public.

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