COVID -19 or the Corona Virus has negatively impacted the populations’ life around the world. It has reached pandemic levels and forced a long term lockdown in India and in other countries. The lock down was inevitable because the people of India did not understand the gravity of the situation and continued moving around irresponsibly.
Now with the lockdown people have to stay at home and last out the gestation period of the virus without affecting others including the family.
It is not an easy way to live especially for the working, the children, the senior citizens and especially people with chronic diseases like diabetes.
Being quarantined per force at home is a golden chance, a once –in-a-lifetime chance to change your lifestyle for the better. One of the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle is Diabetes Type 2. The other type of diabetes known as Type 1 Diabetes is normally an inherited disease. Type 1 diabetes can manifest from any age even from birth.
Staying at home gives a chance to retrospect and plan changes in your lifestyle and keep a track of your habits. Staying at home has many advantages. It helps you to make a schedule and adhere to the routine and train the body and mind to follow a healthy life routine. This is particularly beneficial for people suffering with diabetes.
FIRST OF ALL EVERYONE- ESPECIALLY A DIABETIC SHOULD FOLLOW SOME BASIC PRECAUTIONS LIKE:
- Wash hands thoroughly and regularly.
- Avoid touching your face, especially mouth, nose and eyes till you have washed and dried or thoroughly sanitized your hands.
- Clean and disinfect all objects and surfaces which are touched frequently.
- Sanitize every material which comes from outside as well as your hands. Example milk packets, news paper, couriers
- Do not share food, spoons, glasses, towels, tools etc.
- Cover the mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, with a tissue or handkerchief or napkin. Ideally sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow/arm. (Dispose of the tissue into a lidded bin after use).
- Avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.
CERTAIN PRECAUTIONS WHICH SHOULD BE TAKEN BY A PERSON SUFFERING FROM DIABETES DURING THE QUARANTINE PERIOD
- Make sure you have all a stock of diabetes medication to last for a period longer than the lockdown
- Keep relevant contact details of your healthcare personnel at hand
- Pay extra attention to your blood sugar levels.
- If you have flu-like symptoms (raised temperature, cough, difficulty breathing) and especially if you are coughing up phlegm consult your healthcare professional as this is an indication of infection.
- Infections are known to raise glucose levels and increase the need for fluids, so ensure access a sufficient supply of water and other liquids.
- Make sure you have access to enough food.
- Learn how to handle the situation if blood sugar levels drop suddenly.
- If you live alone, ensure you can access someone you can rely on and who knows you have diabetes as you may require assistance if sugar levels fluctuate.
- Do not miss regular health checkups. Connect with doctors online upon fluctuations in blood sugar levels through video consultations.
TAKE ALL THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS AND THEN SCHEDULE A ROUTINE FOR YOURSELF-FOLLOW IT STRICTLY
- EAT A HEALTHY breakfast, lunch and dinner- avoid too much of sugars and carbohydrates. Incorporate nutrients like green vegetables, fruits, eggs.
- Make place for a working space :This is best for people who ‘work from home’. Follow work timings similar to the office. Set up a comfortable table and chair to work. DO not use your bed as a work station as it will impact posture and overall health.
- Take short breaks :Re-charge and re-energize the body by taking rest and short breaks to compensate for the energy lost. Take atleast 3-4 short breaks while working and avoid any kind of exposure. Pre-plan beforehand the duration of the breaks and try not to change it.
- Indoor strolls should become routine :During work breaks walk for atleast 10-15 minutes, atleast 3 times a day
- Sleep well :It is easy to get anxious and undergo stress during this Corona Virus Pandemic which will affect the mental health. Thus sleeping well would help you relax eventually lowering heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels.
For those who are not working, but have their hands full with having the family home all the time
- Involve the family in everyday chores by allotting duties
- Ensure mealtimes are adhered to
- Serve balanced meals
- Rest
- Walk indoors for 10-15 minutes three to four times a day
- Sleep well. Do not stress. Tomorrow will take care of itself.
Apollo sugar Clinics have a large panel of diabetologists, endocrinologists, to address any emergency arising during the lockdown period. They are well equipped for video call to assess you and advice. They are available 24×7 for your convenience. For any further details call us on 1800 103 1010.
