Protecting Diabetic's Immune System During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The immune system is a host defense system comprising many biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease.
Pay attention to portions of high added sugar foods to help keep your blood sugar in the target range of 80-180 mg/dl or as suggested by your health care provider. Reduce or eliminate alcoholic beverages; they may cause your blood sugar levels to go too high or too low and can disrupt your sleep. Occupy your extra time with activities that are positive, productive, and/or pleasing to you.
Take these proven steps to avoid contracting the harmful virus and to reduce the risk of giving it to others:
Wash hands frequently
Use hand sanitizer often
Sanitize commonly used surfaces often
Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
Practice social distancing
Wear a mask when you are out in public
Cook meats and seafood thoroughly
Wear disposable gloves when shopping, pumping gas, .etc and discard after
Avoid crowds and contact with the public as much as possible
Stay home if you are sick
Adhere to the guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and those by your diabetes care team
Exercise to the best of your ability. Break up sitting — rule of thumb is 3 minutes of movement for every 30 minutes of sitting. Consume fruits and vegetables daily. Fresh, canned (water/juice packed), and frozen are all great! Contact your primary care provider when you’re not feeling well, have a fever, or if your blood sugar is consistently too high or too low. Try easy to prepare nutritious foods (omelets, vegetable soup) for low effort and budget friendly nutrition.
Identify your own best ways to reduce your stress and… just do it… every day. Make time for some fun! Make sure to stay well-hydrated every day with water and sugar-free beverages (if caffeine makes you jittery, try to reduce).
Utilize your family and friend connections as much as possible, as their love and support are important to your well-being. Navigate to your health plan's approved telehealth platforms (telephone, computer, tablet, select smartphone apps, and select Bluetooth-enabled blood glucose meters, continuous glucose monitoring systems, insulin pumps) to obtain needed services:
Diabetes self-management training/education and support (furnished by diabetes care and education specialists)
Medical nutrition therapy (furnished by registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition professionals)
Remote patient monitoring
Chronic care management
Medical patient assessments and re‐assessments
Visits with your physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or clinical nurse specialist
Include adequate rest, and aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Consider giving yourself quiet time for an hour before bedtime. Test your blood sugar regularly so you and your diabetes care team can make needed adjustments in your diabetes care plan. Take your prescription and over‐the‐counter medications as prescribed. every day.
You are doing the best you can and this may look different every day! There is no perfect — be kind to yourself.
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