For the survival of diabetics during the pandemic .. global health advice الصحة

Dr Goika Roglish, WHO official in the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and expert on diabetes, said data and statistics during the Corona pandemic show that patients with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk of developing severe cases of Covid-19 disease, and the number of deaths among them is increasing compared to patients with diabetes of the second type.

Roglish’s comments came during episode 46 of the “Science in Five” program, presented by Vismita Gupta Smith, and broadcast by the World Health Organization on its official accounts on social media platforms.

400 million diabetics

On the risks COVID-19 poses to patients with diabetes and how they can maintain their safety and health during the pandemic, Roglish said diabetes has become more and more prevalent over the past 30 years, and there is currently more than 400 million people living with diabetes worldwide.

Unfortunately, according to the UN expert, almost half of them do not know they are diabetic or have not been diagnosed, moreover among those diagnosed, many cannot get the drugs or the health services they need, at a time when The Corona epidemic shows that diabetic patients, especially type 1 diabetes, are at a higher risk of severe Covid-19 cases and death compared to those with diabetes. non-diabetics.

precautionary measures

Roglish said the mainstay of diabetes treatment is physical activity and healthy eating, two measures that may not be readily available under pandemic conditions. Therefore, diabetics should strive to “create” in order to maintain the recommended physical activity and healthy diets within the restrictions imposed by the pandemic.

She added that the drugs must be taken regularly and accurately, ensuring that diabetic patients remain free from Covid-19 by fully observing all precautionary measures to protect themselves as individuals, such as wash hands, wear protective masks and ensure there is adequate ventilation in confined spaces and physical distancing when communicating with others, preferably outdoors where possible .

Priority to diabetic vaccination

Dr Roglish concluded his advice on the need for diabetic patients to receive the vaccine as a priority group for vaccination, noting that the vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective, providing protection and safety for patients with type 1 diabetes. and type 2.