FAMILY: COVID-19 Resources for Those Living with Diabetes

By now, it’s hard to not have heard the warnings that senior citizens are more susceptible to COVID-19. Adults aged 60 years and older are more likely to experience more severe symptoms or death should they contract COVID-19 than younger populations.

There are two reasons for this:

• As we age, our immune system naturally declines
• Older adults are more likely to have underlying conditions or diseases that depress an immune system

One such disease is diabetes — which affects more than 10% of the U.S. population overall.

Below are some Purdue Extension recommendations on steps that those living with diabetes can take to protect themselves:

Follow the Stay-at-Home Order

If you must go out for any reason, make sure your trip is truly essential.

• Limit physical contact between those in your home and those outside your home.
• If you must go out, maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between you and others.
• In such a public setting, the Centers for Disease Control now recommend wearing cloth face coverings. For a guide on how to create your own cloth face coverings, visit the CDC website.
• Do not go out if you are feeling ill, showing signs of illness or have been in contact with someone sick / tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks.

Manage Stress

Stress can wreak havoc on a diabetic’s blood sugar levels and, in turn, further depress the immune system.

• Reach out to a friend, doctor, counselor or community leader who can help
• Discuss your concerns and how you are feeling with whomever you trust
• Participate in activities you enjoy and make time to unwind
• If you feel stress, anxiety or depression, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline
  • Call (800) 985-5990
  • Text TalkWithUs to 66746

Get Sufficient Sleep and Physical Activity

Even as our schedule is disrupted, we should maintain these routines to go hand-in-hand with stress management. (The typical adult needs at least 8 hours of sleep.)

• Set regular times to fall asleep and wake up
• Make time for daily physical activity to encourage restful sleep
• Limit your screen time while in the bedroom

Keep Your Medications Filled

Don’t wait until you’re running low on medications to reach out to your pharmacist.

• Do not skip medications that are prescribed to you
• Work with your pharmacy and care team to ensure you don’t run out of medication
• Regularly check and log blood sugar levels so you can observe any trends

Eat Healthy Foods

Maintaining your healthy eating habits is key to keeping your immune system strong — as overeating or undereating can be detrimental to your health.

• Regularly space your meals and snacks
• Ensure each of those includes a consistent amount of carbohydrates
• Consult these Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics tips on healthy carbohydrates

Call Your Doctor if You Feel Ill

Remember: Those living with diabetes are already more susceptible to illness and more severe symptoms.

• Consult your insurance company and care team to learn your options before you need them
• Call your doctor for recommendations if you are not feeling well or have concerns
• Consider telemedicine appointments to minimize potential exposure to COVID-19

While there are additional precautions to take amid the COVID-19 pandemic, taking care of your health, getting plenty of rest, eating a balanced diet and participating in daily physical activity can help get you the immune-system boost you need.

For additional information on managing diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Author

Tonya Short, Health & Human Sciences Educator, Purdue Extension – Knox County

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