Diabetes often occurs when patients have high blood sugar levels continuously for a long time. The high sugar levels cause all blood vessels in the body to deteriorate faster than normal, leading to complications that are ultimately harmful to the body. If diabetic patients get infected with COVID-19 and experience Long COVID symptoms, which are lingering symptoms that often persist for a long time after recovering from COVID-19, it is commonly found in the elderly, those who are obese or overweight, and those with other underlying diseases, including diabetic patients. They need to be especially cautious and should regularly see a doctor to monitor their symptoms.
Symptoms of Diabetic Patients with Long COVID
- In diabetic patients with Long COVID, symptoms related to the lungs are common, such as frequent thirst. This symptom occurs because the lungs are weak and cannot distribute fluids adequately to nourish the body, causing cells to become dry and send signals that trigger frequent thirst as the body needs water to nourish itself.
- Normally, diabetic patients often have problems with the nervous and muscular systems, leading to muscle atrophy or reduced muscle mass in the elderly. When these patients contract severe COVID-19 and develop Long COVID symptoms, which also cause reduced muscle mass, it results in fatigue and more difficulty moving, especially in elderly women.
- Diabetic patients with Long COVID combined with weak lung and spleen conditions will experience more severe diabetes symptoms.
- Diabetic patients with Long COVID will have difficulty controlling blood sugar, muscle atrophy, insufficient nutrients in the body, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and irregular heartbeat, which are very dangerous for diabetic patients.
How to Manage Diabetic Patients with Long COVID Symptoms
- Regularly observe symptoms. If there is fever, severe cough, easy fatigue, or worsening symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
- Diabetic patients who have had COVID-19 should continuously see a diabetes specialist to assess their physical condition and the severity of symptoms, as Long COVID symptoms may occur long-term and affect blood sugar control.
- Diabetic patients who had COVID-19 and were hospitalized for a long time, required oxygen, or used a ventilator should receive continuous care from a respiratory specialist team along with the doctors treating their diabetes.
- Diabetic patients who have recovered from COVID-19 but still feel fatigued and not fully recovered should consult a specialist to plan adjustments in diet and exercise.
