COVID-19 Infected Diabetes Patient With Blood Sugar Under Control Can Go For Home Isolation: Odisha Doctor

By OB Bureau On Sep 24, 2020

Bhubaneswar: A diabetic whose blood sugar level is in control and a healthy person are equally vulnerable to COVID-19. But if the diabetic person’s blood sugar level is high, he can develop complications and the risk of infection is high.

Stating this at “Live Sensitisation on Home Isolation” programme of the state government on Thursday, Prof Anuj Kumar Baliarsingh, HOD Endocrinology, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack said at the time of COVID-19, it is very important for diabetes patients to keep their blood sugar level in control. “Both the Type I and Type II diabetes patients are equally vulnerable to coronavirus infection.”

He said the fasting blood sugar (BS) level should be within 110 and the after-food level within 160. “If both sugar level and blood pressure is under control, the diabetes patient with COVID-19 can stay in home isolation. There is no need to go to any hospital,” Dr Baliarsingh said.

The professor further said ketoacidosis is a serious complication which leads to thirst, frequent urination, nausea, abdominal pain, weakness, fruity-scented breath and confusion. “In case of Type I diabetics with COVID-19 infection, this situation is more likely to arise, especially if the patient has stopped taking insulin injections,” he said.

Speaking at the programme, Dr Mahendra Tripathy, cardiologist, Care Hospital, Bhubaneswar said blood clotting chances in case of COVID-19 infection increases problems for heart patients.

Stating that people with pacemakers should not worry in case of mild infection, he said those who have undergone bypass surgery and are healthy can remain in home isolation.