Diabetes and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Frequently Asked Questions

I have diabetes. Do I really have a higher chance of getting COVID-19?

There is no sufficient data or research to back the claim that people with diabetes are more likely to get COVID-19. In China, people contracting COVID-19 who also had diabetes showed higher rates of death and complications compared with those without diabetes or underlying health conditions. Suffice to say, there is a strong link between a person's number of health conditions and their COVID-19 prognosis. (See references 1 and 2.)

I have Type 1 diabetes. Am I at a greater risk compared with someone with Type 2 diabetes?

There is currently no substantial evidence to suggest that there is a difference in risk between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Patients with any type of diabetes, or those with other underlying health conditions and/or diabetes-related complications, may be expected to have worse outcomes. (See reference 3.)

Should I watch out for certain warning signs?

First and foremost, if you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, make sure to contact your health care provider and consult with your doctor.

Potential common COVID-19 symptoms include: fever, shortness of breath, shaking and chills, dry cough, sore throat, and loss of taste. If you feel like you suffer from these sumptoms, call your doctor, who may need to access important information such as your glucose or ketone readings, fluid consumption reports, and a list of exact symptoms.

Do people with diabetes have a higher likelihood of experiencing adverse complications from COVID-19?
Yes. People with diabetes and other underyling health conditions are more likely to face serious complications induced by the virus in the event of an infection. However, your chances of getting very sick from the virus are lower if your diabetes (regardless of type) is well-managed.

Note that fluctuating blood sugar levels resulting from poor management of diabetes can contribute to the odds of serious illness as a result of COVID-19 infection.

Other diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease, can also raise the risk of serious illness. (See reference 4.)

Is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) a greater risk when contracting COVID-19?
Generally, the risk of DKA is greater when sick with a viral infection. It is more common among those with type 1 diabetes.

Sepsis and septic shock are common life-threatening complications of COVID-19. Treating these conditions requires careful management of your fluid and electrolyte levels, which becomes extremely challenging with DKA. (See reference 5.)

May home-use blood glucose meters distributed to inpatients at a hospital be used by more than one patient?

No. Blood glucose meters labeled “single use” must never be shared among multiple patients. This restriction is imperative to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. (See reference 6.)

Can diabetic patients with COVID-19 use their personal blood glucose monitor?

Yes. Self management of blood glucose levels is always essential. (See reference 6.)

Can home use blood glucose meters be used in a hospital setting during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes. The Food and Drug administration (FDA), approves home use blood glucose meters as a supportive option to the health care professionals in a hospital setting in order to reduce physical contact between health care providers and patients in an effort to reduce the exposure to COVID-19.

Could the COVID-19 pandemic limit my access to insulin?

We continue to closely monitor the situation, but for the time being, all major manufacturers report that their insulin manufacturing and distribution have not been affected by the pandemic.

How should I conduct myself to limit and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in my home?

Healthy people may pose a significant risk to other family members with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, and should conduct themselves accordingly.
 

If one or more members of your household is suspected or sick with COVID-19, give them a private room, limit interaction with family members to a single person, keep the door closed, and maintain strict cleaning practices for utensils and surfaces.

For more information on preventative measures, contact your health care provider and read more from the World Health Organization.  (See reference 7.)

References

1. Chee YJ, Ng SJH, Yeoh E. Diabetic ketoacidosis precipitated by Covid-19 in a patient with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2020 April 24 (Epub ahead of print).
2. Ren H, Yang Y, Wang F, et al. Association of the insulin resistance marker TyG index with the severity and mortality of COVID-19. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2020;19:58-58.
3. Holman N, Knighton P, Kar P, O'Keefe J, Curley M, Weaver A, Barron E, Bakhai C, Khunti K, Wareham NJ, Sattar N. Risk factors for COVID-19-related mortality in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in England: a population-based cohort study. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2020 Aug 13.
4. Schofield J, Leelarathna L, Thabit H. COVID-19: Impact of and on Diabetes. Diabetes Ther. 2020;11(7):1429-1435. doi:10.1007/s13300-020-00847-5
5. Li J, Wang X, Chen J, Zuo X, Zhang H, Deng A. COVID-19 infection may cause ketosis and ketoacidosis. Diabetes Obes Metab 2020 April 20 (Epub ahead
6. Zhang R, Isakow W, Kollef MH, Scott MG. Performance of a modern glucose meter in ICU and general hospital inpatients: 3 years of real-world paired meter and central laboratory results. Critical care medicine. 2017 Sep 1;45(9):1509-14. COVID-19 & Diabetes FAQ
7. Lewnard JA, Lo NC. Scientific and ethical basis for social-distancing interventions against COVID-19. The Lancet. Infectious diseases. 2020 Jun;20(6):631.