Is there a difference if you have Type I or Type II Diabetes?
To answer this question the best we can, we need to explore the difference between Type I and Type II diabetes:
Type I: Arises at any time in life (even in adulthood).
Insulin Dependent (requires monitoring of glucose and blood sugar levels)
Can lead to Diabetic Ketoacidosis
(medical emergency due to build up of ketones in the blood)
Symptoms include:
Frequent urination
Drinking large quantities
Losing weight
Becoming more and more tired
Type II: Generally arises in adulthood
(becoming more common in younger populations)
Insulin Resistant (need to control blood sugar with diet)
Arises secondarily to lifestyle choices (lifestyle and diet)
Symptoms include:
The above mentioned symptoms for Type I
Blurry Vision
Cuts/Bruises that are slow to heal
Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands and feet
How does the current COVID-19 pandemic affect Diabetes?
Now, the difference in the affects of COVID-19 on patients with Diabetes. Due to Type II being a metabolic condition, there may be some other underlying conditions with the cardiovascular (heart) system and the circulatory (blood) system. It is important to note that this is also a small risk to Type I patients.
These underlying conditions place people at higher risk of serious health issues with the novel coronavirus. Why the concern for Diabetics and COVID-19?
The concern arises not due to people with Diabetes being more susceptible to the pandemic, but in what occurs if they do get sick with Coronavirus. People with Diabetes are at an increased risk of higher complications due to COVID-19. It has shown that these complications can result in a higher mortality rate and severe respiratory symptoms. This is where the risk for diabetics lies! The American Diabetes Association is a great resource if you have any questions.
Important to Note if you are Diabetic
If you are a Type I diabetic, be hyper-vigilant with your medications. Monitor your glucose/blood sugar regularly. Stay on top of it.
If you are a Type II diabetic, eat well and try to get some exercise all while maintaining social distancing recommendations. (We can help you get started on an exercise program, just reach out to us) Eating the rainbow, getting good sleep, and having a regular movement practice have all been shown to reduce symptoms of Type II diabetes and other issues associated with Metabolic Syndrome.
It has shown that people in better physical fitness have either shown decreased symptoms or have been asymptomatic. They also have a better chance of fighting this virus due to fitness being related to a stronger immune system.
COVID causes new onset of Diabetes!!!
Wait, what did I just say?
I said that COVID-19 has shown to cause new onset of Diabetes.
This news is shocking, but has been scientifically proven. Due to the fact that I am not an authority on infectious diseases, I want to share these links so you can find out what you need to know.
The reason for COVID-19 causing diabetes is not fully understood, but is believed to have to do with the virus itself binding to an enzyme, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This enzyme plays a role in all forms of Diabetes, but with the coronavirus attaching to this, it affects the pancreas. The pancreas is our organ that plays the most vital role in controlling blood sugar.
Please, please, please be careful out there. This article is intended to inform you of the risks associated with Coronavirus and Diabetes. It is not intended as medical advice.
If you found this information helpful, please share it with people who may benefit from reading this.
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