Your definitive guide to Covid-19 | Co-morbidities & Covid: All you need to Know

The continuing COVID-19 pandemic remains a public health emergency worldwide, and those with underlying health conditions like diabetes remain at the top of the list for risks associated with the novel coronavirus.

According to American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes face greater risks of complications when dealing with COVID-19. The risk of catching the virus in diabetics isn’t higher than anyone else but they could face severe health issues if they get sick and if their diabetes isn’t well-controlled.

To reduce the chance of getting infected, people with diabetes should strictly practice social distancing, maintain good hygiene, always wear masks in public and try to keep their blood sugar under control as it weakens the immune system and makes it difficult to fight off infections. Here are some more precautions diabetics must follow.

1. Make sure you eat properly and stay hydrated. You need the right amount of carbs to maintain healthy blood sugar levels throughout the day.

2. COVID-19 can reduce your appetite and cause you to eat less, which could affect your sugar levels. Check your blood sugar more often than usual.

3. Take your medication as directed because if you stop taking prescribed medications, you’re setting yourself up for serious complications.

4. Try to stay active while you are at home, exercise and walks help to manage diabetes.

5. Take care of your immunity by consuming immunity-boosting foods such as chickpeas, carrots, walnuts, lentils and fatty seafood. 

6. Pay attention to your mental health as social and physical isolation may increase anxiety and depression.

Lastly, watch for symptoms and get yourself tested if required.

What does Covid-19 infection mean for cancer patients?

There are two elements to this discussion. One for Cancer survivors and the other for those undergoing cancer treatment. For Cancer survivors, it is best recommended that they take the vaccine as they are already on the path to recovery. 

Patients who have undergone cancer surgery

Such patients should consult their doctors before getting vaccinated. One’s type of cancer and treatment determines the risk factors, benefits, timelines and what one should know before receiving the first dose.

Patients receiving chemotherapy

Patients undergoing treatments such as Chemotherapy and Radiation should go for Covid vaccination after taking a gap of 5-7 days from their last session. It is important to take the vaccine at a time when your white blood count (WBC) and blood platelets are not low. Therefore, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) needs to be done before getting vaccinated.

Patients with leukaemia

It is recommended that patients with leukaemia should delay vaccination until after the completion of chemotherapy treatments such as induction therapy which is given for acute leukaemia. Also, they must consult their doctor before getting vaccinated.

Patients undergoing stem cell therapy

Patients who are within three months of an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant, Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant or CART Cell Therapy, should go for vaccination after consultation with their doctor. In addition, those with severe Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) and those with low B-cell counts should discuss with their provider whether vaccination should be delayed.

Patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery

Vaccination is usually given on the left shoulder but if a person has undergone left breast removal, the vaccination should be taken on the right shoulder. If both breasts have been removed, then the vaccine shot should be either taken on the thigh or the hips.