OakBend Medical Center physician discusses COVID-19 and Diabetes risks

By R. Hans Miller | Times Senior Reporter
Posted 4/20/20

One of the commons statements issued by officials from the city to the federal level is that those with underlying conditions such as Diabetes are at higher risks of complications if they contract …

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OakBend Medical Center physician discusses COVID-19 and Diabetes risks

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One of the commons statements issued by officials from the city to the federal level is that those with underlying conditions such as Diabetes are at higher risks of complications if they contract the new coronavirus which causes COVID-19. However, Dr. Mehjabin Parkar of OakBend Medical Medical Group said the fact that a person has Diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean they are more likely to be infected by the virus.

“This is apparently true even though research, including a review published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, shows that the immune systems of people with persistent hyperglycemia function less well,” Parkar said in a written statement issued by OakBend.

While diabetics are not at higher risk of catching the virus, Parkar said patients with diabetes that contract COVID-19 are at higher risk of complications according to one of the studies looking at patients in Wuhan, China where the new coronavirus originated.

“A small, preliminary study of 174 people in Wuhan, China, suggested that people with COVID-19 and diabetes but without other comorbidities (presence of two chronic diseases) were at a higher risk for severe pneumonia and inflammation that contributes to an accelerated progression of COVID-19 and a worse prognosis,” Parkar said.

The study Parkar refers to was published in the March 20 edition of “Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews.”

Parkar said there are things diabetics can do at home that will help keep them from catching COVID-19 and gives some advice on managing their condition if they become sick. The advice includes washing hands thoroughly, just as non-diabetics should, and adds a few things.

“(Diabetics) should also use soap and water to clean the areas on their body where they inject their medications,” Parkar said.

Additionally, those with cold or flu symptoms should be aware that many over-the-counter medications can affect blood sugar levels, Parkar said.

Sharing needles of any sort, including for diabetes, should never be done. Parkar said patients with diabetes should check to make sure their medications, whether those medicines are for diabetes or otherwise, are fully-stocked in the home.

“I advise having extra glucagon or glucose tablets in case your blood sugar drops too low,” Parkar said. “People who take insulin should have backup insulin pens (or syringes and vials) if needed, and extra ketone strips.”

Remaining active is important for diabetics, even while under the stay home orders that are present in all three counties that make up the Katy area, Parkar said. She recommends creating an at-home exercise routine to ensure that patients are able to manage blood sugar levels.

“If you are not under quarantine or otherwise advised to stay at home, go for a walk outside in the park – while maintaining social distancing guidelines,” Parkar said. “If you are homebound, pop in an exercise video or hit the Peloton. Also make sure you are stocking up on food that helps you consume carbohydrates in a healthy way.”

Parkar recommends that all readers, diabetic or not, follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including:

  • Clean your hands often with soap and hot water or sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact and practice social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart).
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue (then clean your hands!).
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, and dirty ones immediately.
  • Stay home if you’re sick.
  • Separate yourself from others if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or think you have it.
  • Wear a face mask outdoors.
  • Call ahead about medical attention unless you are having a medical emergency

“Also, continue to manage stress and prioritize sleep — two other essentials for managing your blood sugars,” Parkar said.

COVID-19, new coronavirus, diabetes, diabetics, Katy area