COVID-19: DICOMAG issues advisory to people with diabetes

• Urges special precaution

Diabetes Control Media Advisory Group (DICOMAG), a media-based non-governmental  organization has issued an advisory to Nigerians living with diabetes, urging them to take special precaution to prevent Coronavirus infection in view of their proven vulnerability.

The advisory which was issued in collaboration with Rainbow Specialist hospital, a private hospital with focus on the management of diabetes and other endocrine and metabolism conditions, cautioned that persons living with diabetes belong to a group of people who might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and must therefore do all they can to avoid the infection.

Signed by Dr. Afokoghene Rita Isiavwe, an endocrinologists and Chairperson, DICOMAG Board of Trustee, the advisory  urged persons living with diabetes to adopt recommended safety measures such as staying at home and practising social distancing. The Advisory reads:

“Do not go out unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must go out-doors cover your face with a face mask.

“Basic hygiene measures like washing of your hands. As simple as it sounds, washing your hands with soap and water several times a day reduces your chances of getting infected with germs. This should include, and not restricted to before eating, before cooking, after using the rest room, after doing any chore, after returning from a public space.

“Stay active indoors with Indoor exercising. Put on your favourite music and dance…yes dancing is a good form of aerobics exercise. You don’t have to go outdoors to keep fit. Go online and check for videos on aerobics and indoor exercise regimens you can practice at home. If you are not tech savvy ask any of your younger household members to help you with this task. Choose a time of the day for exercising.

“Eat healthy: there’s a tendency to eat more than usual if you are locked down at home.  Keep healthy and low calorie snacks at hand.

“Mental Health Check: Choose to focus on positive things and events around you. Catch up on reading your favorite magazines and books or watching your favorite movie or comedy. Connect with your loved ones using technology. Several platforms are available to have video calls, ask any tech savvy household member to help you with this. Make sure you get good quality sleep and rest well.

“Spiritual Health: Take care of your spiritual health. This lock down period is a good time to spend in prayers and in God’s presence. Find out from your religious leader the available online platforms to get connected to your regular place of worship. There are also several religious stations on Cable Satellite television to help you remain connected this season.

“Medications and essential supplies stock: Ensure you have adequate stock of your medications and medical supplies like glucometer strips etc. Contact your health care provider for refill of your medications. Some will be able to deliver to your door step.

“General Medical Check up: You can still see your doctor , and get routine medical advise with the help of technology for remote consultation. All you need is your Smart phone and/or internet to do so.

“Emergency plan: It is important you put together a water–proof emergency pack containing basic survival items e.g. a month’s supply of your medications, glucometer, and glucometer strips, and your medical report detailing your medical history, allergies, and list of medications, recent lab results and medications, contact information of your different health care professionals, and your emergency contacts, a jotter and pen, torchlight and novel. This becomes important if you have to go into isolation or quarantine, or need to relocate at very short notice.

“Finally get additional authentic information on COVID 19 from reputable sites like the WHO, Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).”

Apart from those living with diabetes mellitus, DICOMAG also listed persons aged 65 years and older, persons living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, persons of any age with underlying medical conditions, especially if poorly controlled; conditions like chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, persons with serious heart conditions, severe obesity,  those with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis and persons with liver disease, and immuno-compromised persons as those with proven vulnerability who should take “special precaution to prevent the dreaded Coronavirus infection.”