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Practice #GlucoVigilance during these times to be in range

Background:

The current times are beyond anything we have ever experienced. During these unprecedented times, we all should put our health on priority and exercise caution. Even more so, if one has diabetes. People with uncontrolled diabetes are at a higher risk, due to lower immune response.1,2  WHO has raised an advisory and has suggested that patients with chronic ailments like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, chronic respiratory diseases and cancer are more prone to severe illnesses as compared to others during these times.3 Hence, it is extremely important for people with diabetes to remain vigilant about their sugar levels and maintain good glycemic control.4

Significance of glycemic control:

Keeping blood sugar levels in range is critical. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels may significantly impact immunity and increase the risk of infection.1,2 Hence, keeping blood sugar in range during these times could be helpful in reducing both the risk and the severity of infections.4 One can achieve good glycemic control by practicing #GlucoVigilance.

Practice #GlucoVigilance:

#GlucoVigilance is the act of keeping a careful watch on blood sugar levels regularly to keep one’s diabetes in check and to reduce the risk of complications, if infected, during these times.

You too can practice #GlucoVigilance through 4 simple steps4, 5:

  1. Eat a balanced diet.
  2. Exercise regularly at home.
  3. Adhere to your medication as per your doctor’s prescription.
  4. Regularly monitor your sugar levels at home. Monitor at least 4 times per week, if your diabetes is in control or 4 times per day if you have uncontrolled diabetes.

Make sure your blood sugar levels stay within the range5 (Fasting≤115mg/dL, PP ≤160mg/dL & HbA1C <7%) during these times. By following frequent blood sugar monitoring along with other pertinent measures, you can keep your blood sugar levels in range and reduce the likelihood of developing severe complications if infected during these times. If keeping blood sugar readings in range is a struggle, reach out to your doctor for advice. It’s helpful to use glucometers with digital connectivity as one can maintain a digital log of the readings and share it with their doctor instantly.

It is better to be safe and in range to prevent the risk of complications. Stay home, follow good hygiene measures and practice #GlucoVigilance.

  1. Burekovic A, Dizdarevic-Bostandzic A, Godinjak A. Poorly Regulated Blood Glucose in Diabetic Patients-predictor of Acute Infections. Med Arch. 2014 Jun;68(3):163-6.
  2. Casqueiro J, Casqueiro J, Alves C. Infections in patients with diabetes mellitus: A review of pathogenesis. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012;16 Suppl 1(Suppl1):S27–S36.
  3. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Situation Report – 57. Available at: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200317-sitrep-57-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=a26922f2_4. Last accessed on 18th March 2020
  4. Gupta R, Ghosh A, Singh AK, Misra A. Clinical considerations for patients with diabetes in times of COVID-19 epidemic. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2020 Mar 10;14(3):211-212.
  5. Rao, P.V., Makkar, B.M., Kumar, A. et al. RSSDI consensus on self-monitoring of blood glucose in types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus in India. Int J Diabetes Dev Ctries. 2018;38, 260–279

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