COVID-19 is more severe in people with diabetes

The Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Cyprus International University (CIU), Prof. Dr. Feray Gökdoğan expressed that diabetes is a risk factor regarding hospitalization and mortality rate in case of COVID-19 infections.

Gökdoğan reminded that about 25% of people applying to hospitals with severe COVID-19 infection have diabetes, and that people with diabetes experience serious complications such as virus-related pneumonia and death risk.

Prof. Dr. Gökdoğan explained that the reason for this is that high blood sugar weakens the immune system and our bodies cannot fight with the infection effectively, and contrary to this, severe infections can also raise blood sugar level.

As a result, a ketoacidosis coma may be developed, so it is essential to monitor the blood sugar and ketone in the best way possible. It was interpreted by Gökdoğan that “if the blood sugar is 280 mg in 8-12 hours, it should be monitored in 2-4 hours. If the blood sugar level drops below 70 mg, someone should accompany the patient with diabetes or patients should tell the others that they do not feel good. They should continue to take fluid and sugary foods to avoid dehydration and low blood sugar.”

Prof. Dr. Gökdoğan pointed out that patients with diabetes should eat normally, “if they cannot eat, they  should consume carbohydrate drinks, or have snacks or small amount of food such as toast, rice, biscuits or crackers, boiled potatoes, ice cream or custard; one glass of drink (250 ml) should also be taken per hour”.

It is important to take fluids to replace the fluid and electrolyte loss in case of vomiting or diarrhea. It is also necessary to contact the physician or diabetes educator for a change in the dose of oral medications and insulin. Gökdoğan recommended that emergency assistance should be sought if there is shortness of breath, pain, or foot infection.