The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the way people do their everyday activities. A simple trip to the grocery store, a day at the office or school, a short walk to the park––all these things that you used to enjoy can now put you at risk of getting infected by the virus. It is even more challenging if you have diabetes, as this means that your health is already compromised.
Diabetes happens when a person has a very high amount of blood sugar because the body is not making enough insulin or does not use insulin efficiently. There are two types of diabetes that can lead to high blood sugar levels, kidney problems, nerve damage, and heart disease if not monitored regularly. You also need to be present for your regular medical appointments and tests. However, it’s a big problem now, given that hospitals are always filled with people suffering from COVID-19.
So, how do you care for your health during this pandemic if you have diabetes? Your reliable source for free health care news offers some tips in this two-part article:
See If You Need an A1C Test
You are probably already tracking your blood sugar with the use of glucose test strips or CGM. But when was the last time you received an A1C test in the lab? The A1C is done to measure your blood glucose levels over the previous three months to calculate the average and get the percentage that will determine whether or not your blood sugar is rising. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you will be required to take at least two A1C tests in a year, but this could be more frequent depending on your case.
Stay on Top of Your Preventive Screenings
Apart from the A1C testing, it is also suggested that you take a kidney disease test to see how much protein is in your urine. If you have a high amount of protein, it could mean that you are at the onset of diabetic kidney disease, and this must be addressed immediately. Even if your last test was negative, you need to do the screening within a year to ensure that there are no negative changes.
Furthermore, you should also monitor your blood pressure as diabetic people are more prone to high blood pressure.
Have Your Dentist Check for Signs of Gum Problem
Remember that you must not neglect your oral health when you have diabetes. Gum disease can have an effect on your blood sugar level, and it could be harder for you to manage your symptoms then. It’s crucial to detect any gum problem before it progresses and causes worse issues.
As such, you must schedule a trip to your trusted dentist at least twice a year to make sure that there’s no gum problem. But if you are not comfortable going to a dental clinic, you might want to ask your dentist if you are at risk of developing gum problems based on your records.
Conclusion
At this point, you now know three of the six tips on how to care for yourself during this pandemic if you have diabetes. In the second part of this two-part article, you will find more health and fitness tips that can help you manage your diabetes during these most challenging times. Remember that when it comes to your health, doing preventive measures is always better than finding a cure later on.
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