Heightened Risks And The Added Need For Stable Control
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Summary: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the author reflects on the heightened risks faced by Type 1 Diabetics, who are more likely to die from the virus than those without diabetes. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels becomes crucial for bolstering immunity. Adjusting routines and embracing self-forgiveness are vital amidst the challenges of managing diabetes during this global crisis.
Yeah, so this happened…!! The world has been ransacked and people have been left quaking in their boots by the virus that is not-so-affectionately known as COVID-19.
It seems like a long time ago now but there was a time when Coronavirus didn’t exist (like, less than a year ago…!!). In those days, Type 1 Diabetics were ‘just’ battling through their days as best they could with the general level of challenge that this medical condition presents.
But, for me now, it feels like a whole new level of challenge has entered my life. I now have my daughter at home permanently (at least for now!) so time has evaporated and my usual life activities are all on hold. As such, I anticipate that my blogging will be erratic for a while but please know that I haven’t given up. I will be dropping in here as often as I can to think, write and respond as best I can.
If I have learnt anything during this time, it is about being gentle. Gentle with my family and friends in this time of stress and uncertainty. Gentle with myself by lowering my expectations for both myself and others. At the moment, it is okay to just aim to be what I am. Anything else can come later.
I did, however, want to try to use this moment to put a few thoughts down about the particular challenges of having Type 1 Diabetes in these Coronavirus times.
Increased Risk Of Death For People With Type 1 Diabetes
So this is not a heading I ever wanted to write in my blog. But I think that, at a time like this, honesty and openness about the dangers are important. If for no other reason, truth can diminish the erratic thoughts that result from out-of-control fear. They can also offer hope.
Early on in the pandemic, at least where I am in the UK, the newspapers circulated information about the risks of death from COVID-19 for various medical conditions. For diabetics, the statistics were stark reading…
What Are The Most Common Health Conditions Among People Who Die Of COVID-19?
| HEALTH CONDITION | |
|---|---|
|
Cardiovascular Disease |
10.5% |
|
Diabetes |
7.3% |
|
Chronic Respiratory Disease |
6.3% |
|
Hypertension |
6% |
|
Cancer |
5.6% |
|
No Health Condition |
0.9% |
So, according to this, once diabetics have contracted COVID-19, their risk of dying from the disease is greater than people suffering from chronic respiratory disease, hypertension and even cancer!
It was assumed that people with Type 2 Diabetes were generally more at-risk because they are generally older and also often have co-morbid health conditions, making their overall health poorer than those with Type 1 Diabetes.
However, a study by the National Health Service in the UK has now published a study that says otherwise…
Type 1 Diabetics Three Times As Likely To Die From COVID-19
As shown in this article by the Guardian newspaper, the NHS has found that those with Type 1 Diabetes are three-and-a-half times more likely to die from Coronavirus than non-diabetics. Type 2 diabetics are ‘only’ twice as likely (note: that’s still a huge increase!). Of course, the number of actual deaths of Type 1 diabetics will be substantially lower than Type 2s, since Type 2s are so much more numerous in the population.
What Is The Takeaway Message?
COVID-19 is a dangerous virus for those with Type 1 Diabetes. Once contracted, death is more likely than for other tranches of the population.
HOWEVER…
As I discussed in this blog post, the immune system of Type 1 Diabetics may actually not be compromised. Only the sub-optimal blood sugar control impacts the immune system. Therefore, stable blood sugars are our best fight against this disease. This will enable us to keep our immune system strong and therefore reduce our likelihood of catching COVID-19. Of course, combining tight blood sugar control with social distancing measures reduces our risks further.
Easier Said Than Done…?
Perfect blood sugar control when the world has gone to hell in a hand basket seems like a tall ask! When your whole routine – the thing our diabetic bodies thrive on – has gone out the window, how is that possible?
I have started by establishing a new routine. My usual exercise routine is gone and has been replaced by a good hour of walking early in the afternoon each day with my husband and daughter. I have worked out new meal timings that work not only for me but for my family as a whole. I am accepting that I have gained some weight, which has increased my total daily units. I accept that I am unlikely to drop this weight whilst under the stress of this pandemic. And I am learning to forgive myself for the deviations that I inevitably make in my attempts to keep myself as well as I can.
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Natalie is a blogger with Type 1 Diabetes. Natalie's special gifts are questioning the status quo and being a rebel. She is using these gifts to question medical 'knowledge' and find a true cure for Type 1 Diabetes.
