Women Health : Challenges faced by diabetic women during COVID pandemic
The coronavirus has affected the healthcare system globally. The highly virulent COVID-19 has affected both men and women. Men and women with comorbidity are at higher risk of developing complications associated with COVID-19. Advanced age, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease lead to increased morbidity and mortality from COVID-19.
But, women having diabetes form a special vulnerable group. While taking care of everyone, women often overlook their well-being and ignore controlling their blood sugar levels. Managing blood glucose levels is crucial as increased blood sugar levels increase the risk of developing severe complications associated with COVID-19.
How COVID-19 pandemic affected women with diabetes?
The highly contagious coronavirus has affected the psychological and emotional health of people. There is widespread fear and anxiety among people. The psychological stress, altered lifestyle, and limited outdoor mobility have impacted the blood sugar level in women with diabetes.
Moreover, women constitute a more significant proportion of the workforce in healthcare and are primary caregivers at hospitals. These, frontline women with diabetes, if infected with COVID-19, are also at an elevated risk of developing complications.
What should women having diabetes do if they get infected with COVID-19?
If women having diabetes get infected with COVID-19, they should make sure that they check their blood sugar levels regularly. To control blood sugar levels,
- They must eat small, frequent meals. Eating small meals ensures that there is no sudden surge in blood sugar levels.
- Also, they must include whole grains and green leafy vegetables, and lots of protein in their diet, and avoid eating junk and processed food.
- Keep themselves hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.
- They should take medicines regularly without fail.
- Consult your doctor if you cannot manage the temperature at home or experience difficulty in breathing.
Stay in touch with your consulting doctor and talk to them regularly. If you experience tiredness, fatigue, weakness, body aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, or belly pain, please share with your doctor.
How to manage gestational diabetes in women during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Pregnant women with gestational diabetes require care and frequent monitoring. Pregnant women are at higher risk of contracting viral infections. Thus, it is essential to protect pregnant women from getting infected. Family members must take special care to ensure that pregnant women with diabetes do not get infected with COVID-19. Pregnant women with diabetes are at higher risk of developing severe complications affecting the mother and the fetus.
Together we can help women to lead a healthy life with equal access to medication and healthcare facilities.
Dr. S Sangeetha
Tanishitha’s Diabetic, Endocrine & Kidney Centre
