Omicron: Diabetes patients need to take care

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Are people with diabetes more likely to get Covid-19? Though there is not enough data to show that this is actually happening, people with health concerns, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, should be vigilant in the wake of the third wave and should make their health a top priority as the Omicron variant reportedly has a substantially greater transmission ability than other Covid variants.

Commenting on the issue, Dr. Manjunath Malige, Chief Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, Aster RV Hospital says “This variant affects those already suffering from an illness more. Diabetics have a poor level of immunity in general. Diabetes causes an increase in inflammation in the body. As a result of Covid, the inflammatory condition worsens significantly faster. Diabetes patients may be more vulnerable to circulatory problems too and may already have had a bypass, a stroke, or even insufficient blood flow to their legs”.

Experts say that the risk of getting very sick from Covid is likely to be lower if your diabetes is wellmanaged. Having heart disease or other complications in addition to diabetes could increase the chances of getting seriously because more than one health issue makes it harder for your body to fight the infection.

“Blood sugar levels must be regulated, physicians must be consulted, insulin must be used when needed and such patients must be immunized. Diet can be a key factor in battling the Omicron variant; food high in antioxidants like broccoli, blueberries, and almonds can give the immune system a big boost. Antioxidants essentially protect your DNA from further harm when you are sick. Apart from this, fresh and dried fruits, which are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and protein, should be consumed more frequently” Dr. Manjunath Malige added.

Doctors also advise that blood glucose levels should be monitored on a regular basis to avoid issues caused by excess or low blood sugar. In case of flu-like symptoms (high temperature, cough, trouble in breathing), one should see a doctor. If you are coughing up phlegm, it might be an indication of an illness, so medical help must be sught immediately. Any infection will boost your blood glucose levels and increase your need for fluids, so make sure you have plenty to drink.