Viral infections can also increase inflammation, or internal swelling, in people with diabetes. High blood sugars also cause inflammation, and both could contribute to more severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA. Most common in people with type 1 diabetes, DKA can make it challenging to manage your fluid intake and electrolyte levels, which is vital in managing sepsis. Sepsis is a severe body-wide response to a bloodstream infection. Sepsis and septic shock are two of the serious complications some people with COVID-19 have experienced.
People with type 2 diabetes can also develop DKA, but it is less common and less severe. It is usually triggered by prolonged uncontrolled blood sugar, missing doses of medicines, or severe illness or infection such as COVID-19.
When you get sick, it’s more important to keep your blood sugar in control—but it’s also harder to do. That’s why it’s important to have a plan for those sick days.
Have Supplies on Hand
• Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community, and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
• If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
• Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
• Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for some time.
Have a Plan For If You Get Sick
• The first step is to consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.