Over 50 Per Cent Of COVID-19 Deaths In Odisha Had Diabetes

Bhubaneswar: Diabetes has emerged as the most prominent underlying factor for the death due to COVID-19 in Odisha. More than 50 per cent of the patients, who have died of the pandemic so far, have been found to be diabetic.

According to the Health and Family Welfare department data, of 64 persons who have succumbed to the COVID-19 till date, as many as 35 were diabetic, thus accounting for 54.68 per cent of total deaths.

Of the three death cases reported from Ganjam district today, a 56-year old male and a 65-year old male were suffering from diabetes. Similarly, of five deaths yesterday, four had diabetes.

On other factors, the department’s information shows that 10 deceased persons had hypertension, six had kidney problem and five obstructive pulmonary disease.

The state government has been advising the doctors treating the COVID-19 to be extra vigilant regarding the patients having a history of diabetes. “Uncontrolled diabetes is a known risk factor for complications. All government strategies are keeping that in mind. More than 100 training programmes of doctors and healthcare professionals have been done on this,” TOI quoted Jayant Panda, the government’s technical advisor on COVID-19 as saying.

Former director of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar Ashok Mohapatra suggested exclusive treatment of diabetic patients who are infected with coronavirus. “Those diagnosed with COVID-19 and having diabetes, may be put in one ward where doctors specialising in treating diabetic patients can be deputed,” he said.

Also Read: COVID-19: Three More Deaths In Ganjam, Odisha Toll Rises To 64