The Covid pandemic is unchartered territory and doctors and experts are learning more about the virus as they are trying to take care of the patients. The part we know is that people with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk for complications with COVID-19, and there can be some different considerations for people who have diabetes, specifically. Onlymyhealth editorial team talked to Dr. Irfan Shaikh, Head Adult Nutrition, Scientific & Medical Affairs, Abbott's Nutrition business, to know about the impact of pandemic on diabetes.
Blood sugar control and balanced diet and nutrition are important factors for supporting people with diabetes. Supposedly, diabetes and hyperglycemia, a health condition in which blood sugar is high, are associated with less positive outcomes in people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Helping people balance blood sugar levels can help in improving results, and good nutrition therapy can serve as a major key role in helping people with diabetes to deal with their condition and improve glucose control. Read further to know more.
Prevalence and impact of the pandemic on diabetes
India has become the second-largest country of individuals living with diabetes in the world with one in 11 Indian adults trying to manage this condition. Around the world, people with diabetes have a 50% higher risk of complications than those without. People suffering from diabetes are more vulnerable to viral infections because of their impaired immune response, and some viruses can even thrive in an environment of high blood glucose.
Also read: One Week To Beat Diabetes: Follow These Nutritionist Tips For Diabetes Management During COVID-19
Nutrition’s role in diabetes management
Nutrition plays a crucial role in helping people manage their diabetes, achieving normal blood sugar levels, and improving health outcomes. Health care providers caring for people with type 2 diabetes, including those infected with Coronavirus, work to keep blood sugar levels within normal ranges. For those who require nutritional support, diabetes-specific formulas (DSF), which are especially designed for people with diabetes, can help with the blood sugar control. Diabetes-specific formulas provide major essential nutrients and health benefits such as:
- Slow-digested carbohydrates with a low glycemic index can help in reducing the effect on blood sugar levels
- Monounsaturated fatty acids that can substitute for saturated fats and support lipid levels such as cholesterol
- Prebiotics and dietary fiber that improve bowel health and cholesterol levels
- High-quality protein and other important nutrients for immune system support, such as antioxidants (vitamins C, E, selenium), vitamin D, vitamin A and Zinc
According to studies, it has been shown that diabetes-specific formulas can lead to better health outcomes in people with diabetes. Having diabetes specific oral nutrition supplements, such as Ensure Diabetes Care, can help in managing blood glucose levels and support weight management in adults given the slow release of carbohydrate system.
Although, there are still many unknown facts with this virus, what we currently know is that there are some various factors to consider for people with diabetes that can put them at more risk for serious complications. Good nutrition is especially important for people living with diabetes, to help them manage their condition and improve their overall health outcomes.