Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that is more common than you think. It becomes a struggle for every diabetic patient to keep their blood sugar levels, lipid levels, blood pressure in the normal range. And, with the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, there are even more physical and mental challenges for everyone especially for people with health risks such as diabetes.
During a lockdown, there are no outdoor activities and one has to be confined in their homes, so this can become challenging for diabetic patients. So lockdown situations may worsen the symptoms of diabetes no matter what type. The non-availability of medicines or less access to healthcare can become a challenge in itself also.
In such situations, what should a diabetic patient do to decrease risks proposed on their health? We have compiled some suggestions you can consider which might help you in such situations.
- Try to maintain a daily routine. Adequate physical activity along with a balanced diet can help a lot go through the lockdown without any visit to the ER. Regular intake of medicines with a discount on diabetic medications such as sitagliptin cost can make a huge difference if your doctor has prescribed it for insulin production. So avail these discounts and keep your medicines stock in check.
- Ensure you have adequate stock of all medications, insulin syringes, insulin vials and injections so that you don’t face any shortages. And, if you are using a glucometer then also ensure you have enough stock of strips, lancets, batteries etc.
- Maintain your eating routine as it was before lockdown and if possible reduce the portion size. As you are constantly at home, the availability of food at hand can urge you to keep eating and put on weight. Limit these urges and make a schedule for eating.
- Identify low-caloric food like pulses, nuts, salads, soups, and lentils that can be digested easily and you don’t consume many calories and gain extra weight.
- Perform physical activities at home, like dancing, gardening, walking, aerobics, and if you have space, you can do walking, jogging or floor exercise and yoga.
- 6. Avoid sitting for a longer time and walk between rooms while answering a phone call or looking at the net or media which may help burn calories.
- Drink adequate intake of water.
- Take enough sleep so your mind and body do not get stressed. Peaceful sleep is very essential to remain refreshed throughout the day.
- Keep a regular check of blood sugar and try to keep it under control. Keep a look at your blood pressure and heart rate as well. Contact your doctor if you experience any uncomfortable signs.
- Avoid stress by engaging in relaxing techniques such as deep breathing and yoga.
Lockdown is a challenging environment that poses a lot of physiological implications on everybody. So keep yourself relaxed and try to make use of whatever you have in your space to keep your mind and body healthy.
