LIVING WITH
covid
THE
BIG
Our experts give straightforward answers to your knotty COVID questions.
Am I more likely to catch COVID? If you have diabetes, you are no more likely to catch COVID than anyone else. There is strong evidence that people with diabetes are more vulnerable to developing a severe illness if they do catch COVID, however.
What happens if I do catch COVID? Everyone’s COVID experience will be different, so there is no predicting whether you will experience a mild or severe illness. Most people with diabetes will experience a mild illness, but it’s important to note that what medical professionals call “mild” can still make you feel extremely unwell. “Mild” COVID simply means your illness can be managed at home. Moderate or severe illness may require medical assistance or hospitalisation. People with diabetes, whether type 1, type 2, gestational or other types, are more vulnerable to developing a 12
severe illness if they do get COVID, although the risk of serious illness in young people with type 1 diabetes is still thought to be very low.
because of related complications. COVID is not just a respiratory illness, but a multi-systemic virus, meaning it can affect many different parts of the body.
It is a good idea for people with diabetes to prepare for possible hospitalisation. Follow a sick-day management plan that you have discussed with your diabetes educator. The aim of such plans is to make sure you know how to manage insulin or other diabetes medications, check for and interpret blood ketone levels (type 1 diabetes only) and blood glucose levels when you're sick. Always tell healthcare professionals treating you that you have diabetes. The WA Health Department has introduced a WA COVID Care at Home scheme, available for those assessed to be at higher risk of hospitalisation. Register if you catch COVID and a health professional will be in touch to assess your risk to see if you could benefit from monitoring your health at home.
Your risk of getting very sick from COVID is likely to be lower if your diabetes is well-managed. If you have a history of heart disease or kidney disease or have a high HbA1c, you may be more at risk. Other factors including your age, your ethnicity and your weight can affect that risk.
Why is COVID more dangerous for people with diabetes? People with diabetes seem to be more at risk of a severe bout of COVID
Inflammation associated with diabetes might also play a role. Because people with diabetes may already have some inflammation in their system, inflammation associated with COVID might get worse more quickly. Blood flow because of clotting problems or circulation issues could be exacerbated by COVID. Even if your diabetes is well-managed, COVID, like any illness, can make your blood glucose levels go all over the place. This is because your body produces stress hormones when you are unwell, causing the liver to release glucose into the blood to give you energy to fight off the illness. If your body can’t produce enough insulin to cope with
