Given the festive season has already begun, it is extremely important to take care of those who are older and those who have chronic diseases like diabetes.
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COVID-19 can exacerbate diabetes by causing fluctuations in blood glucose levels. The virus can induce stress responses, triggering the release of counter-regulatory hormones that elevate blood sugar. Infection-related inflammation can also impair insulin sensitivity, making it challenging for diabetic individuals to regulate their glucose effectively. Moreover, the illness may necessitate changes in diet and medications, impacting diabetes management. Severe cases of COVID-19 can lead to organ damage, particularly in the pancreas, further compromising insulin production and glycemic control. The combined effect of viral infection, inflammation, and stress responses poses significant challenges for individuals with diabetes, requiring careful monitoring and management.
“With this new wave of COVID cases, we have to be a little just more aware of how to prevent the spread of COVID. All that we have learned through the COVID pandemic in the past is that social distancing has helped us. The second thing is wearing a mask whenever you’re going to public places. Third is keeping yourself healthy, keeping yourself hydrated, eating good nutritious food, and also avoiding going outside because in north India, Delhi especially, pollution is a menace and it can also lead to a lot of respiratory issues,” says Dr. Pratibha Dogra, Senior Consultant – Pulmonology, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram.
“Over the last 15 days, there have been 2669 new cases, and over the last 24 hours, 640 new cases have been registered. This raises an alarm to be more careful with your health as you approach 2024,” says Dr. Sohini Sengupta, Medical Laboratory Director, Redcliffe Labs.
As we eagerly approach the New Year, increasing COVID cases underscores the need for cautious celebration. In this festive season, prioritizing safety becomes paramount. Considering the prevailing circumstances, incorporating preventive measures such as COVID testing before attending New Year’s gatherings emerges as a responsible choice, Dr. Sengputa adds.
Dr. Sengupta stresses the importance of collaborative action to combat the highly contagious COVID-19. She underscores the significance of timely health checkups and the proactive measure of isolation as critical decisions to curtail the virus’s transmission. By making informed choices and adopting responsible practices, we can collectively navigate these challenging times and contribute to public health safety.
COVID variant JN.1 has minimum symptoms
When deciding on a COVID test, options like RT-PCR or rapid antigen testing are particularly relevant. These tests provide accurate and timely results, offering a clearer picture of your health status. Consulting with healthcare professionals can guide you in selecting the most appropriate test for your circumstances.
Go for COVID testing when you notice the symptoms
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other prevalent signs are fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and headache. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may also occur. Respiratory symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some individuals may remain asymptomatic. COVID-19 often presents with flu-like symptoms, making it crucial to consider testing, especially in the presence of respiratory issues or known exposure. Monitoring for symptoms and seeking medical advice if they worsen is essential to identify and manage cases promptly, helping to curb the spread of the virus.