DIABETES AND COVID-19

DIABETES AND COVID-19

When we first wrote about Covid-19 back in September of 2020, the world was in the midst of a global pandemic.??

Most of us didn’t know what to expect or how it would impact life in the months to come, let alone years to come.??

Living through Covid-19 and its many variants has been hard on us all, and everyone has a story to tell about their experience.?Stories that we will never forget.?

Going through a global pandemic with a chronic illness or disease only adds to the complexity. ??

And now, more than a year and a half later, we can see the impact that Covid-19 has had on everyone, including diabetes patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and diabetes educators.??

Sorting Through the Mysteries?

Now that more time has passed, we’ve been able to sort through some of the myths and unknowns and gain more clarity. We’ve also been able to sort through some of the questions and gain more answers, like are diabetes patients more likely to get Covid-19??

While there is not enough data to prove that people with diabetes are more likely to get Covid-19 than the general population, there is a greater chance that people with greater health conditions are more susceptible to serious complications caused by the virus.1

Covid-19 Impact on Hospitals and Supply?

At the beginning of the outbreak, hospitals and medical professionals needed to minimize the contact between patients and staff to reduce risk. In hospitals specifically, patients with Continuous Glucose Monitors helped medical staff reduce risk by limiting contact. The increased use of telemedicine and virtual appointments combined with the technological advances of Continuous Glucose Monitors have made living with diabetes during Covid-19 more manageable and safer for those who are high risk. “Leading manufacturers are reporting that COVID-19 is?not?having an impact on their current manufacturing and distribution abilities for insulin and other supplies at this time.”1

Continuous Glucose Monitors As A Solution?

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems have proven to be effective during a global pandemic and as a result “the FDA issued a nonobjection to in-hospital use of CGM during the Covid-19 pandemic, and along with many other changes and adjustments that were made during the pandemic, these systems have been used in hospitals to remotely monitor glucose levels.”2 ?This approval has increased demand and created opportunities for the makers of Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems to continue to improve the lives of patient’s living with Diabetes.?

One company that has stepped up to the challenge of this growing demand, is Abbott, the maker of the FreeStyle Libre. “The #1 sensor-based glucose monitoring system used worldwide. In partnership with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Insulin for Life USA and Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition, Abbott donated 25,000?FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensors ?to U.S. hospitals and medical centers in outbreak hotspots to help accelerate access to technology. Abbott's FreeStyle Libre portfolio has changed the lives of more than 2 million people across 46 countries?by providing breakthrough technology that is accessible and affordable.?It is priced at one-third?of other Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems available today. Abbott has also secured partial or full reimbursement for the FreeStyle Libre system in 36 countries, including?Canada,?Japan, the?United Kingdom, and the U.S.”3 The increasing awareness of the device along with the quick response of device manufacturers have helped Continuous Glucose Monitors get the attention they deserve.

?Learning to live with Covid-19 and Diabetes?

?While Covid-19 is still very much a part of our lives, there are many precautions that we can still take to prevent it or keep it bay.?

• Wear a mask
• Maintain social distancing?
• Use hand sanitizer
• Stay home when feeling sick?
• Visit primary care physician when symptoms are present?
• Check blood sugar regularly
• Watch out for warning signs?
• Eat a well-balanced diet?
• Exercise regularly and stay healthy?

?Where to Find Continuous Glucose Monitoring Services?

Managing diabetes at any time is not easy but while we continue to navigate through the pandemic, it can seem impossible. Maintaining glucose levels, controlling diet and reducing stress – all which can wreak havoc on diabetes management – are not easy to control during difficult times. Quest Health Solutions is here to help!?

With over 20 years of experience, our number one priority is the best interests of our patients. We strive to be a one-stop shop for all CGM needs. We also offer free, CGM Fulfillment Solutions to Diabetic Care Specialists and take great pride in providing the tools, supplies, services and knowledge to educate patients and healthcare professionals. As one of the leading suppliers of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems, Quest Health Solutions is here to provide you with the facts you need to make the right decision. For more information, contact us at 1-877-888-7050 Ext. 1011, email [email protected] or schedule an appointment today .?

1. (2021) American Diabetes Association. How Covid-19 Impacts People With Diabetes available at? https://www.diabetes.org/coronavirus-covid-19/how-coronavirus-impacts-people-with-diabetes accessed on 12 February 2022.?
2. (2020) Endocrinology Advisor. Available at https://www.endocrinologyadvisor.com/home/topics/diabetes/benefits-of-continuous-glucose-monitoring-systems-in-the-hospital-setting/ accessed on 12 February 2022.
3. (2020) Abbott. Available at https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2020-04-08-Abbotts-FreeStyle-R-Libre-14-Day-System-Now-Available-in-U-S-for-Hospitalized-Patients-with-Diabetes-During-COVID-19-Pandemic accessed on 13 February 2022.

?