Globally, Covid-19 is wreaking havoc, over 190 countries engulfed in the COVID-19 pandemic and citizens forced to stay indoors due to lockdown.
Governments worldwide are doing their best to protect their citizens; it is also a bounded duty of the citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
There have been new regulations after relaxing the country’s lockdown. Persons with diabetes have to be much more careful as there are chances of coming in contact with this Covid-19 unknowingly if they do not follow a strict healthy lifestyle.
People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19: Cancer, Chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from a solid organ transplant, obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher), Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies, Sickle cell disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver disease, pregnancy, pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues), smoking, thalassemia (a type of blood disorder) and so forth.
As communities and businesses across India are opening, everyone thinking about resuming some activities, running errands, and attending events and gatherings. There is no way to ensure you have zero infection risks, so it is essential to understand the risks and know how to be as safe as possible.
A mandatory rule for the elderly diabetics is to avoid going unnecessarily out of the house, especially those who have morbid conditions like hypertension, Asthma,
ALERT DIABETICS
People with diabetes need to take extra protections, precautions in this hour of medical crisis. Usually, people with diabetes are immuno-compromised and exposed to higher risk compared to others.
People with diabetes advised to monitor their blood sugar levels closely. They must remain calm and not yield to undue anxiety or tensions. Try to keep your HbA1C (<7), and you will have better immunity to fight the disease.
Avoid visiting the hospital. Instead, call your physician, share your reports and follow your doctor’s instructions. I also advise all people with diabetes to be involved in a regular exercise regimen, meditation and yoga to keep their sugar levels well under control.
Further, maintain social distancing, wash your hands for a minimum of 20 secs, maintain high hygiene standards, and take care of your health by consuming nutritious food.
Do not lend ears for false rumours and all that appears in social media may not be true. Be well informed, affirmative, engage in discussion with family members and develop durable will power. Avoid overeating and regularly monitor sugar levels and if found variations, please call your doctor and follow his/her instructions.
Never assume lockdown or any restrictions announced by health authorities is a punitive action by the government. Contrary to that, develop creative hobbies which infuse positivity in you and your family members.
One would help with household chores, listen to smoothening music, read philosophical and spiritual books, and build a positive mental attitude (PMA). In a positive conversation with family members, calling a friend/relative, engaging in indoor activities like carrom, chess, etc., a light diet without sugar is good.
Enjoy every moment and create a productive and positive environment in the family, making things better to beat the COVID-19. Everyone should take steps to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19 to protect themselves, their communities, and people at increased risk of severe illness.
If there is an underlying medical condition, the person should continue to follow the treatment plan as advised. Continue your medicines, and do not change your treatment plan without talking to the healthcare provider. Get your vaccine against Covid proposed by the health authorities of the government.
(The writer is MD & CEO of KLE Hospital Belagavi.)
