How should diabetic people protect themselves from viral infection?

In the news you will be informed about the following: 

• Diabetes;
• Endocrinologist’s recommendation.

For your knowledge, flu can be severe and drastically seasonal compared to other respiratory diseases.

According to the World Health Organization, people affected by chronic illnesses are in a high-risk group for developing viral infections; According to experts, the health condition of diabetic patients is particularly alarming since their immune system is weakened. Weak immunity contributes to the progression of the disease.

What is diabetes?

It’s a chronic and quite common disease in the world, during which glucose metabolism is disrupted in the body.

It progresses with absolute or relative hormone insulin deficiency that occurs with high blood sugar. Disease damages blood vessels and lowers the immune system.

There are 2 primary types:

1.  Type 1 diabetes, when the immune system perceives insulin-producing cells in the pancreas as foreign and destroys them, therefore, autoimmune destruction causes the development of absolute insulin deficiency;
2. Type 2 diabetes when insulin sensitivity of organs is lowered, i.e., insulin is produced, but cannot fully function. In medical terms, such  condition is called insulin resistance.

Endocrinologist of National Center of Surgery, Ana Chokhonelidze gives several useful recommendations for diabetic patients to protect themselves from viral infections:

• Avoid public places as much as possible;
• Complete isolation is impossible, therefore, use masks at work, in public transport or on the street;
• Follow personal hygiene (frequently wash your hands, cleanse your apartment using wet cleaning, remove shoes and streetwear immediately after returning home);
• Frequently air the room;
• A balanced diet is essential. Due to the disease, sugar and products containing sugar, as well as honey should be completely excluded from nutrition. Remember, high blood sugar creates ideal conditions for the progression of any infection;
• Consume seasonal fruit (during the first half of the day) and fresh vegetables rich with vitamins;
• Include natural antiviral products in your nutrition, first and foremost – garlic, prepare ginger and lemon tea;
• Drink 2 liters of water (high intake of liquids can dilute viral titer in the body);
• Take polyvitamins for diabetics, of course, per your doctor’s recommendations. It provides an optimal daily dose of vitamins and microelements necessary for the patient, strengthens the immune system;
• Frequently control blood sugar and blood pressure levels, inform your doctor about it;
• Vitamin D to your immunity’s defense. An endocrinologist will determine the optimal dose based on laboratory findings; 
• See a doctor at the first manifestation of symptoms of viral infection;
• Keep calm, don't panic because it's possible to solve the problem with prompt and proper intervention.

Wish you health!