TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – During the COVID-19 pandemic, diabetes become one of the comorbidities or comorbidities of COVID-19 patients. Patients with COVID-19 and diabetes are likely to experience more severe illness and require treatment in the ICU.
Internal medicine specialist from the Endocrine, Metabolic and Diabetes Division, Department of Internal Medicine, RSCM-FKUI, dr. Martha Rosana, SpPD., suggests diabetics or the family immediately seek medical help when suddenly seriously ill.
“Sudden severe pain such as high fever, impaired vision, wounds do not heal, blood sugar suddenly high or even low, nausea vomiting, diarrhea, do not delay to the hospital or IGD,” he said.
While at the health facility, Martha reminded to continue to apply health protocols such as wearing a double mask, namely a medical mask covered with a cloth mask, washing hands regularly, keeping a distance from other people.
Telemedicine or teleconsultation services provided by health care providers can be used provided the patient is in a stable condition. According to Martha, the patient’s death rate is even higher if the patient’s blood sugar is not controlled.
The relationship between diabetes and COVID-19 goes both ways. On the one hand diabetes can make COVID-19 worse and on the other hand COVID-19 can make blood sugar control worse.
“Could be as long as COVID-19 blood sugar is out of control. Diabetes can make COVID-19 more likely and COVID-19 to cause poorer blood sugar control. SARS-CoV-2 does attack all body cells, including pancreatic cells,” he explained.
Regarding vaccines for diabetics, it is currently allowed to be given to those whose sugar has not been controlled even if the patient is not in an acutely ill condition. Doctors no longer require certain blood sugar or HbA1C for diabetics to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
“If his blood sugar is still not controlled, as long as he is not in an acutely ill condition, he can be vaccinated,” said Martha.
The difference with patients who have been controlled, the vaccine response can be better. Even so, patients are still advised to consult with their treating doctor before getting the vaccine.
Also read: Food for Diabetes Patients According to Experts, Without Taboos
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