COVID-19 infection is recent. Much is unknown about this agent and the clinical conditions it causes. There is no evidence that a person with diabetes has a higher risk of infection. Complications are more severe when the infected person has other chronic diseases including diabetes. However, in people with diabetes the risk results from the combination of several other factors, namely: Age group (the higher the age is, the greater the risk); Existence of obesity; Other complications associated with the disease (renal failure, heart failure, among others); Degree of blood glucose control (as in all infections, decompensated diabetes increases the risk); Other diseases (such as asthma); Risk behaviors (such as smoking). Prevent before infection can happen Gneral measures similar to the rest of the population; Keep blood glucose levels as well controlled as possible; Maintain and comply with therapy; Smoking abstinence; Try to lose weight if you are overweighted. Consequences of COVID-19 infection in people with diabetes Flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, muscle pain, tiredness, shortness of breath); Decompensation of diabetes (similar to what happened in cases of influenza). Recommendations during COVID-19 infection Hydration; More frequent control of blood glucose and temperature; If you have type 1 diabetes, control the ketone bodies; Administer more insulin in case of decompensation; Follow the recommendations of the Direção-Geral de Saúde and your health team. Be very attentive to the evolution of symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection. If clinical worsening occurs, contact health teams. March 29, 2020 Author : Francisco Sobral do Rosário Meet the Endocrinology team of Hospital da Luz network . Click here for more information and advice of Hospital da Luz about the novel coronavírus COVID-19 epidemic . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
