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Veterans are already at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated mental health issues for some. This strain, coupled with the possibility of a chronic disease like diabetes, creates a dangerous triad for some among the veteran population.
According to the federal doctor, up to one in four veterans patients have diabetes, which could be a concern when it comes to COVID-19.
In the United States, an estimated 34 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes.
“I think when someone who has diabetes or a chronic illness, [also] “COVID-19, there’s an even bigger fear, a bigger worry that’s there,” Teresa McArthur, vice president of clinical services at Cecelia Health, a telehealth solutions company, told Fox News.
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Around the world, the coronavirus has led to heartbreaking protests – both directly, through spikes in infections, hospitalizations and deaths, and indirectly by instilling fear, dropping emergency room visits for whatever reason. not to mention the significant financial repercussions and business closures.
“With those who have lost their source of support, I think there are a lot of people who are uncomfortable accessing care and communicating with people from a distance,” McArthur said, noting that the elders combatants are particularly at risk.
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Dealing with a chronic illness in itself is already a daunting task, McArthur said, but issues of burnout, physical and mental exhaustion, depression and poor medication adherence will only make it more difficult.
She urged veterans and others who may have difficulty keeping up with medical appointments to seek help, especially if they are home alone or unable to leave. the House.
“I think with PTSD, in particular, you tend to be more engrossed in fear of triggers, and a lot of times self-care is de-prioritized, so diabetes is put aside,” he said. she continued.
“Stress and these emotions raise blood sugar – on top of not taking medication, not going to the doctor, not eating well, not sleeping well … this disturbance of everyday life, which COVID-19 has such an impact on, is really what I see as the biggest struggle with these people, ”she said.
McArthur has touted VA’s telehealth capability amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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In fact, according to the VA’s latest weekly report on its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, of over 9 million patients enrolled in VA health care, 38% have been checked while receiving care. virtual in October.
A total of 14,911 have been admitted to VA facilities as COVID-19 patients, with 708 admitted as inpatients, at the time of the report’s release. Additionally, from March to the end of October, virtual care among the VA saw a 1,512% increase in home or offsite telehealth visits, according to the data, with 180,325 weekly home or offsite telehealth visits from the 24th. to October 31.
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As part of the statistics on virtual care, the VA also monitors the number of prescription renewal requests placed and the secure messages exchanged; nearly 450,000 and 280,000 in the first week of November, respectively.
McArthur also spoke about the process of counseling patients as part of the CDC’s ongoing review of the guidelines, given the agency’s ongoing studies and new research findings. She said the coaches educate patients on the precautions in place while detailing the reasons behind it.
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