Diabetes and COVID-19: Medicines and Supplies Storage

Covid 19 has had a terrible impact on all humanity across the globe in a tremendous way. People were still terrified because of it. Many people lost their loved ones, and their lives were changed upside down. Although the situation is now very much contained. The covid-19 remains a public health emergency worldwide. People who are suffering from different health issues and problems are on top of the list of getting infected with the deadly virus.

Impacts of covid 19 on diabetic patients

People during covid took extra precautions and health care, to be safe and to keep others safe as well. There is a very high risk of getting covid. These people are suffering from different medical and health conditions. Medical health conditions like asthma, cancer, diabetes, etc. these people are at the highest risk of getting infected with covid. If we talk about diabetic patients and covid, they face a great challenge to the changes because of the covid. The social workplace changes and the surrounding change are responsible for the deterioration of the blood sugar level. If you are a diabetic patient and you are at home, it is much easier for you to check your blood sugar level as compared to if you are in some workplace surrounded by your colleagues and under work pressure. It must be difficult for you to keep track of your blood sugar level. Hence it is very clear that people can take extra care of them, but it also costs them the difficulty that they are facing right now in managing their lives in a normal way or a post covid era. It is known that people that are suffering from diabetes are at higher risk of getting covid. The main reason behind this is that the blood sugar levels are fluctuating consistently. And because of the body’s lower immune system response, the condition also tends to get worse. There may also be an underlying risk of exacerbated illness simply due to having diabetes even if glucose levels are in range.

A study conducted and published showed that persons with diabetes (type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes) that are tested positive for covid-19 are 3 times more likely to have severe illness or require hospitalization as compared to the ones that are not diabetic.

Apart from this, the other data have contradictory findings. In October 2020, a study was conducted that covered the data of the first three months of exposure to the covid 19 virus in Belgium. The report states that there is no increased hospitalization due to covid-19 for the patient with type 1 diabetes. However, a study conducted in May 2021 suggests that covid-19 might be responsible for the new cases of hyperglycemia (Hyperglycemia is the medical term for a high blood sugar (glucose) level. It is a common problem for people with diabetes.). This hyperglycemia condition in some rare cases is responsible for diabetes. This happens because covid -19 directly affects the beta cells in the pancreas, which results in damaging those beta cells.

Covid-19 precautions for people with diabetes

Most medical professionals are emphasizing taking care of the basic hygiene of an individual and doubling down on efforts to get the perfect glucose level. Things one needs to keep in mind;

• Make sure to get a flu shot. Because you can prevent any type of flu after getting vaccinated.
• Another thing that you need to do is remain hydrated. Many people who are suffering from diabetes are more prone to dehydration, especially when the blood sugar level rises. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated.
• Always have a stocking of bottled water or any sugary liquids containing to provide electrolytes in the state of emergency.
• One needs to be obsessive with handwashing.
• You need to be careful and take extra precautions when you are surrounded by people.

Managing the issue related to the blood sugar level and stockpiling diabetes supplies.

When a diabetic person gets infected with the covid-19 virus, there are issues in managing the glucose level. It becomes more challenging and at the same time, it becomes important as well. The reason is that when the blood sugar levels rise, you are aiding and abetting the infection that virus or bacteria has, a lot of fuel to grow off. So, if you poorly take care of your blood sugar level it might be dangerous.

Sometimes, people think of getting medication for diabetes in bulk. There is no doubt that one needs to take necessary precautions and be prepared for any critical emergencies. One must need to follow certain steps to remain prepared for the worst scenarios;

• Always have an extra dosage of insulin and medications on hand.
• Buy medications for at least 1 month.
• If you are purchasing the medication in bulk, always go through the date of manufacturing and expiry.
• Always be cautious and purchase those medications in advance that sometimes remain out of stock.
• One also needs to have one or two blood sugar meters as a spare for monitoring their blood sugar level.
• Always prepare a proper inventory of the medications so you will get an idea about which medications are going to get finished and which do not.
• You also need to stock up on healthy food, fruits, and veggies.
• Moreover, always have extra sugar in the form of honey, hard candy, and fruit juice in case the blood glucose level drops.
• A 2-week supply of things like paper towels, laundry soap, etc. Things that might come in handy.

Hence, we can say that covid-19 is a deadly virus that caused so much trouble, and because of it, many people lost their lives. In such scenarios, people who already are suffering from medical problems need to take necessary health precautions. These precautions can include stockpiling the medications as well as basic amenities.