10 Things Every Diabetic Should Know About COVID-19
What if you get COVID-19 as a diabetic?
If you notice any unusual symptoms listed as potential COVID-19 signs, the best thing you can do is to let your doctor know and self-quarantine.
If you’ve already been tested positive for the virus, make sure to check your blood sugar levels as frequently as possible. Since COVID-19 is an infection, it can impact your appetite negatively, which can change your blood sugar state. Stay hydrated and always have some water by your side especially if you have a high temperature which increases sweating.
Fever can also be treated with over-the-counter medicines, some of which are also recommended to treat coughing and a sore throat. However, you must always ask your doctor before taking any medication because certain pills such as acetaminophen can falsely increase your blood sugar levels. The same goes for liquid cough medicine, which can be so high in sugar that they also increase your blood sugar to dangerous levels.
ATTENTION! You should seek medical assistance as soon as possible if you have COVID-19 (or you’re a suspect) and you experience any of the following:
- Moderate to large ketones
- DKA symptoms (sudden tiredness, vomiting, stomach pain)
- Extreme, sudden shortness of breath
