COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus that causes respiratory tract infections. Symptoms can range from none to severe. In some patients, COVID-19 can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, and may lead to death. The virus spreads through mucus or saliva when coughing, sneezing, and close conversation.
Get to Know Coronavirus or COVID-19 Better
Information from the World Health Organization (WHO) states that COVID-19 is a global pandemic, and currently, there is no specific medicine or vaccine to treat or prevent COVID-19. The general symptoms are similar to the common cold, including fever, dry cough or sneezing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and body aches. Symptoms usually appear 3–7 days after exposure to the virus, but in some cases, it may take up to 14 days to show symptoms.
Anyone can contract this virus. Most (more than 80%) of those infected with COVID-19 will have mild symptoms or may be asymptomatic. Patients may not need to be hospitalized. However, about 15% of patients may have severe symptoms, and 5% may have very severe symptoms requiring close medical attention. Elderly patients and those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 infection.
Diabetes Increases the Risk of Complications
Infection in diabetic patients causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate and become difficult to control, leading to complications from diabetes. This can be explained by two reasons:
- The first reason is a weakened immune system, making infections easier to occur.
- The other reason is that the virus tends to grow well in conditions with high blood sugar levels.
Because COVID-19 can survive in the environment for hours or days depending on the surface and conditions, it can be transmitted through “contact” with contaminated surfaces. Therefore, diabetic patients should protect themselves by washing their hands and avoiding crowded places.
How to Take Care of Yourself to Stay Away from Risks
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid touching your face with your hands. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your face.
- Clean objects or areas that are frequently touched.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or the inside of your arm. Do not use your hands to cover because your hands may touch other objects, increasing the risk of spreading the virus.
- Avoid contact with people showing symptoms of this virus, such as coughing or sneezing.
- Advise or talk to family members to prevent or avoid infection, such as avoiding crowded public transportation, avoiding travel, or avoiding activities with large gatherings.
Check and Prepare: A Guide for Diabetic Patients
- Make a conscious effort to control your blood sugar levels better.
- If you have a high fever, cough, sneeze, or difficulty breathing, see a doctor immediately, especially if you have phlegm indicating an infection. You should receive treatment promptly.
- Any infection can raise blood sugar levels and cause dehydration, so drink enough water.
- Check if you have enough diabetes medication in case you need to be quarantined at home for 1–2 weeks.
- Stock up on food, especially sugary types, to promptly treat low blood sugar.
- If you live alone, find someone you trust and are confident can help you if you need assistance.
Information from
The Diabetes Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Adapted from INFORMATION ON CORONA-VIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) OUTBREAK AND GUIDANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES, International Diabetes Federation European Region, 6 March 2020
