Recommendations for patients with diabetes during COVID-19 outbreak

Written by Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center Medical Director Kristen Stakelin, MD.

People with diabetes can be more susceptible to – and can become sicker if infected with – any virus, including the new coronavirus. During this outbreak of COVID-19, it is important to be calm and make smart choices; that includes being well-prepared and watchful.

Here are some things you can do to plan ahead so that you’re prepared:

• Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face excessively.
• Social distance as much as possible to decrease your exposure.
• Have enough of your medication (and other essentials) at home to be able to stay in for several weeks. This is especially true for insulin.
  • Here in Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear has signed an executive order allowing pharmacies to refill prescriptions for up to 30 days to ensure everyone has access to needed prescriptions.

Make a plan for sick days. You will need to:

• Test blood glucose several times a day while sick. Call your healthcare provider if your numbers are much higher or lower normal.
• Stay well hydrated with water.
• Make sure you have tissues, medications to lower fever, a thermometer and plenty of test strips – along with your diabetes medications.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have a fever over 100.4.

Seek emergency help if:  

• You are short of breath.
• You experience chest pain unrelated to sore muscles from coughing.
• You cannot stay awake very well.
• You have severely low blood glucose levels.