Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you are at increased risk of severe illness from Coronavirus (COVID-19). There is very limited information about who with diabetes is most at risk of developing problems. The following gives information on key areas to minimise your risk during this challenging time.
General advice on COVID-19
NHS Inform gives up to date information on what COVID-19 is, the symptoms you can get, social distancing and self isolation:
Advice on diabetes and COVID-19
The Scottish Government has produced tailored advice for people living with diabetes and how COVID-19 might affect them is available at:
- Scottish Government
- Diabetes UK has the latest advice and guidance on coronavirus
- My Diabetes, My Way has the latest advice and guidance on coronavirus
Things to consider
Be informed - familiarise yourself with the most up to date guidance on COVID-19 as detailed above.
Be vigilant - ensure you are aware of sick day rule guidance and follow this if you are unwell. Sick day guidance varies depending on your type of diabetes and the treatment you are on. If in doubt about your sick day guidance please contact your usual diabetes care provider. General advice on illness and diabetes can be found at:
Sick day guidance for type 1 diabetes
Sick day guidance for type 2 diabetes
Be prepared - ensure you have an adequate supply of medication, glucose monitoring equipment and if applicable ketone monitoring equipment & insulin pump supplies.
Be advised - all retinal screening and most routine out-patient appointments have been suspended until further notice.
Be mindful - looking after your mental as well as physical wellbeing is also important. Further resources can be found at headspace.com
Support for people living with diabetes
Diabetes Scotland
In addition to the information resource available on the website (https://www.diabetes.org.uk/In_Your_Area/Scotland) you can also
- Call our Helpline Monday to Friday 9am -6pm on 0141 212 8710 or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk
- Join a newly launched digital peer support group by contacting scotland@diabetes.org.uk
- Chat online with other people affected by diabetes by completing the Diabetes UK online forum which is available at https://www.diabetes.org.uk/how_we_help/community/diabetes-support-forum
My Diabetes, My Way
This interactive diabetes website helps support people who have diabetes and their family and friends. In addition to the information resources available on the website a range of e-learning is available at: https://elearning.mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/
You can now also use this website to view your own up-to-date diabetes clinic results, to help you manage your condition more effectively. To register for this go to https://www.mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/