Omicron: How Can Diabetics Protect Themselves?
By Nishkak +2 more
By Nishkak +2 more
Table of Contents
Amidst the ambiguity regarding the latest Omicron variant of COVID-19, there may be several myths and rumours. Instead of worrying about these, it is better to follow certain specific guidelines to keep yourself and your family safe. Especially if you are a person with Diabetes, you will need to consider some additional precautions.
COVID-19 appropriate behaviour- Wear an N-95 mask with a good fit or double mask, avoid crowds, follow hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Satinise the frequently touched surfaces at home and handle anything that comes from outside with care.
To take the necessary precautions, you will need to have certain equipment and paraphernalia available at home.
If you haven’t consulted a doctor in the last couple of months, you should also take a follow-up consultation.
One may experience some or even none of the above-mentioned symptoms and still be Covid positive. There are people with no symtoms, mild symtoms and even severe symtoms.
Do not panic if you have all the aforementioned symptoms of Omicron. The first thing you need to do in such a situation is to be alert and decisive. You also need to prevent the infection from spreading to your family and loved ones. Here’s what you should do
Immediately consult your doctor or go to a hospital if –
Sick day guidelines for diabetes –
Use of insulin –
If you experience a sudden fall in insulin levels (which can lead to a sudden increase in blood sugar levels), consult a doctor immediately. Some oral medicines for diabetes may not be well tolerated during severe illness. Your doctor can adjust the dosage of your ongoing diabetes medication and start insulin as well. The most important thing is to not panic because once you have recovered there are high chances that your doses of medication will be adjusted again and recently added insulin injections can be discontinued then.
Dietary tips –
Finally, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to maintain a healthy diet. It is advisable to consume small frequent meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism regular. You should eat food that is low in sugar and easy to digest. Hence, avoid eating too many fried foods and food that is extremely high in fibre. It is best to opt for fresh fruits, a balanced salad, sprouts or even easy to digest food like Upma and Idli.
For breakfast, you can have oatmeal or daliya, while for lunch you can go for fresh green vegetables, paneer, soybeans, dal, etc. For dinner, you can have light soup and some vegetables, whole wheat flatbreads like roti/chapati, khichdi. Moreover, you should also drink enough water to keep your electrolyte levels steady.
FAQs
1. Do people with diabetes have a higher chance of Omicron infection?
Ans: There is currently not enough data to suggest the same. However, having diabetes can increase the chance of an Omicron infection becoming severe.
2. Are the risks of Omicron infection different for people with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Ans: There is not enough data to show the difference, but people with either kind of diabetes have been suggested to have a higher risk of complications in the case of Omicron infection.
3. Do I need to worry about DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis)?
Ans: DKA can happen to people with persistent uncontrolled high blood sugars ie above 300 mg/dL. Watch for symptoms like:
4. Does Omicron cause diabetes?
Ans: No, there is no evidence that supports this.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
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Last updated: Jan 11, 2022
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