This is an uncertain, unprecedented time for everyone. Those of living with diabetes may have more questions, concerns, and fears than others. We’ve been told all our diabetes lives that we have a higher risk for illness because our immune system is compromised.
Consistently elevated (high) blood glucose levels, or blood glucose levels that bounce around a lot can have a negative impact on our ability to fight off sicknesses like colds (viruses), bacterial, and sometimes fungal infections. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the Coronavirus that has been spreading around the world since December of 2019.
I will admit that as someone living with diabetes I’ve been under the impression that my risk is higher for having a worse experience or outcomes if I contract COVID-19. I’ve been sticking with my usual approach of
- get good (and lots of) sleep
- wash hands and don’t touch people or public places
- keep blood glucose levels in my target range as much of the time as possible
And I just got some good news. My endocrinologist’s office sent a notice that basically says people with type 1 diabetes are not at higher risk of bad outcomes just by virtue of having type 1 diabetes. We are not at higher risk for getting COVID-19 in the first place. If we do the things mentioned above (the sleep part I added, but seriously, how can it hurt?) we protect ourselves. They also provided this link to the JDRF site where they explain this much better than I can.
PS Stress doesn’t help anything. Nor does panic. So maybe add some soothing music, deep breathing, meditation, prayer – whatever works best to calm you and give you comfort and peace. We will get through this.