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Covid
Any diabetics worried about COVID19?
Redrover87 · 11/03/2020 15:59
I’m 32 and have been type 1 since I was 9. I would say I control it well and this reflects in my notes eg HBa1c test
I’ve read that the mortality rate for diabetics is 9.6% which is scary and it’s also the second most high risk group under cardiovascular illnesses.
My question is, does it matter how well controlled I am? As I always thought I’d live a long and healthy life just the same as anybody else as long as I kept my levels stable. Or am I basically fucked because I’m diabetic?
Should I self isolate now or be thinking about it in the coming weeks?
For background, I rarely get ill and when I do it’s only for a couple of days (never been hospitalised) so I would say this is a sign of a good immune system. Could anybody shed some light on how dangerous this is for me?
I’d also love to hear from any other diabetics (type1 or 2) on how they’re feeling about all of this.
Sorry for my rambling, I’m just freaking myself out a bit especially after reading about the 56 year old woman with diabetes who died today on Bali from COVID19.
I’m also a single mother to a 2 year old so I’m worried about leaving her if it gets serious and I have to be hospitalised or worse.
Thanks for reading my ramblings !
Redrover87 · 11/03/2020 18:47
I’ve been staying home a lot more also, not making journeys unless necessary. But all that has lead to me being bored and overeating more I think to sum it up, it’s best for us to be a little over cautious as we aren’t 100% on how the Coronavirus will affect us.
WreckTangled · 15/03/2020 04:43
Hmm do you think? Where would it stop though? Would it include all health conditions? Suddenly everyone and their dog is asthmatic (if you read threads on here). I've read it's people with three underlying health conditions who've been dying. But who knows. I'm also awake stressing a bit I suppose. That and I have heartburn.
NervousInYorkshire · 15/03/2020 04:52
I am asthmatic too , have been for about decade (no dog though 
) - I think that's also stressing me out.
I guess the over 70s announcement took me aback/by surprise, especially the 4 months bit. I also have anxiety, which doesn't help!
Hope your heartburn goes soon.
WreckTangled · 15/03/2020 04:57
It hasn't been formally announced yet has it? I think this is the frustrating thing, our government seems to be the only one not actually updating us on anything or making quick decisions.
Whilst I'm here I'm finding it hard to build up a stock of food for isolation that isn't all carbs. It's a nightmare.
DakotaFanny · 15/03/2020 08:18
Hi, hope you don’t mind me jumping on here with a question.
My son was diagnosed six months ago. He’s 15. His diabetes is well controlled. Since diagnosis, he hasn’t been ill really at all. If he got CV, or indeed the ‘normal’ flu, what could I expect to happen to his BG? Does it generally go high? So you just keep an eye on ketones and keep correcting? Or would it go low?
Sorry, it’s probably a stupid question, but just struck me that we don’t really know how to deal with illness yet.
I am also wondering if the 16 week isolation will be rolled out to others, and if he would be one of the people involved.
Thanks
WreckTangled · 15/03/2020 08:39
There are sick day rules to follow when you're diabetic which your DSN should give you. Many of them I disagree with as they advise sipping sugary drinks but you'll have to read the advice and make an informed decision as to what you'll do.
Yes BG will likely go up so increase basal, correct as needed and plenty of fluids. Sick bugs are worse than viral infections for levels in my experience
GinandGingerBeer · 15/03/2020 09:37
Here you go @DakotaFanny
It's from an NHS trust so just ignore the contact details but these are the principals of sick day rules for children\ teenagers.
Probably a good idea to be familiar with them.
Always consult your own team though. If he's on a pump and BG is high, revert to a pen as it tends to lower the BG quicker than via pump.
There will be separate advice for pumps.
www.tsft.nhs.uk/media/368794/Sick-Day-Rules-for-Parents-of-Children-with-Diabetes-A5.pdf
GinandGingerBeer · 15/03/2020 09:40
This is also a good guide to print off.
It has instructions for HCP too as unfortunately T1 diabetes isn't always managed well in hospital.
I will also be printing this off just in case I end up needing hospital treatment.
www.sth.nhs.uk/clientfiles/File/Managing%20illness%20DKA%20july%202017.pdf
GinandGingerBeer · 15/03/2020 09:46
ContessaferJones · 15/03/2020 10:26
The theory is that people with diabetes who take thiozolidinedienes (a type of antihyperglycemic drug) or ACE inhibitors/ARBs (drugs for hypertension/vascular disease) may beat increased risk from this virus. These are treatments which increase the expression of ACE2 and consequently increase the potential for establishing viral infection.
text
I would think that people with diabetes who aren't taking any of these would be at less risk than those who do.
Butterbear86 · 15/03/2020 10:35
Im scared of my pump failing. It’s always a worry but right now it’s a terrible worry.
Part of me wants to give up now tbh.
If they said we had to isolate - I’ve two children still in school so 🤷🏼♀️
I know our death rate is high but I cannot find and age breakdown for it. It’s about 8%.
ArkAtEee · 15/03/2020 13:29
There are a couple of Facebook groups for type ones and covid-19 so have a search. I am quite worried as I am also immunosuppressed from another condition. I will be working from home and not socializing for the foreseeable future, DC is still attending school tho so potential disease vector there 
Hopefully rate of failure for pumps shouldn't increase, so manufacturers should be able to send replacements. May be delays tho. My clinic has given me some long-acting insulin in case of pump problems so just try to make sure you have a prescription for that?
ChickenNugget86 · 15/03/2020 18:27
I'm 33 weeks pregnant and got diagnosed with gestational diabetes at week 28. I'm worried as I am at the hospital a lot next week. My blood sugar levels are OK after food but high in the morning. Just started to take metformin tablets but the side effects are pretty horrible.
It's an anxious time all round
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