While you know that there is still no vaccination available around the globe to cure the COVID19 pandemic, all your safety is in your hands. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), senior citizens and those with medical conditions are highly vulnerable to this slow killer. Immunity boosting messages are recently circulating on the WhatsApp group to motivate people that they should not fear of the virus and take the necessary precautions.
A couple of days ago, medical experts announced that young people are also prone to coronavirus infection. Another study has proved that people with type A blood are highly likely to fall prey to COVID19 infection while the likelihood of becoming prey to the virus is low among people with type O blood. Since research is limited to b conclusive, it is recommended that all people take all precautions suggested by the WHO to fight off COVID19.
When it comes to fighting against a disease, your immunity plays a paramount role. COVID19 is mysterious. It is living in even those people that seem to be asymptomatic. A recent study has declared that most of the people have been noticed with antibodies in their blood. It proved they carried the virus and had recuperated from the infection. This manifests that how your immunity fights against the virus, but what if your immunity is low.
Not all people are lucky enough to have strong immunity. People with medical conditions like diabetes have unfortunately low immunity, and hence the risk of falling prey to the infection doubles. Elevated blood glucose level makes it harder for your immune system to fight against the virus when you have diabetes.
However, there are two reasons for this: first, the virus entered your body when the blood glucose level was elevated, and second, your immune system is already compromised, taking a more extended period to cure the infection.
The virus can enter your body through nose, eyes, and mouth, and therefore experts are recommending washing hands more often in case you move hands around your face after coming in contact with the infected person. Well, washing hands and physical distancing are not enough for diabetic people to fend off COVID19. Here are the ways you can keep the infection at bay.
Keep tabs on your blood glucose level
Regular monitor of your blood glucose level is essential as food intake can be the cause of hyperglycaemia. Make sure that you regularly take your medicines. A false report has been circulated that people taking diabetic medicines are more susceptible to COVID19. Do not believe such claims. Keep taking your medicines because you are safe as long as your blood sugar level is under control.
There has also been a rumour that people consuming alcohol are unlikely to catch the viral infection. Dispel this myth because it reduces immunity. If you already have diabetes, alcohol consumption will take a toll on your blood sugar level.
Stay active as much as you can
It is crucial for being active even for those who have no medical condition. Of course, senior citizens have been denied going out even for a walk. That is not because the virus lingers in the air but because you can become infected if you are close to an infected person. As sometimes it becomes hard to be cautious when you are out and do not know whether the person is infected as they can be asymptomatic, it is better that you do not go out.
You can simple do some exercises at your home. Home is safer than parks nowadays as you can clean them daily and maintain personal hygiene. Yoga is the best exercise to keep your glucose level under control. Keep your lower body active as lower legs numbness and reduced mobility are the primary concern among diabetic people. Light exercises like walking release endorphins that help you manage stress and pain.
Eat well and keep your body hydrated
A balance diet is imperative to keep your blood glucose level under control. Here is the list of food you should eat and avoid.
Emphasise eating:
- Non-starchy vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli, green beans, and cucumber
- Starchy vegetables like peas and sweet potatoes
- Beans and lentils
- Wholegrain food like brown rice, brown bread, oats, etc.
Avoid eating: - Processed food like chips, candies, salty snacks
- Soda and juice
- White bread and white rice
- Processed cereals
Diabetic people are more prone to dehydration because glucose level stays in the blood, which means your kidneys have to work harder to get rid of it. It results in frequent urination and over exhaustion. Make a habit of drinking caffeine-free beverages.
You are more prone to COVID19 when you are a diabetic patient, but with caution, you can help yourself stay healthy. Eat nutritious food, take your medicines regularly, drink water, and maintain hygiene by washing your hands with soap more often, sanitising, and wearing a face mask. Investing in masks and sanitizers is too much for unemployed people, but you can take out guaranteed loans from RecentFinance to fund the unemployed.
