Diabetes and COVID-19 For Seniors

We know the aging population is predisposed to health threats due to their immuno-compromised state. But did you know that seniors with diabetes have an even higher risk?In general, diabetics are more likely to experience severe symptoms when fighting a virus. It is for that reason that it is important for the elderly and the diabetic to practice self-isolation and increased hygiene practices, especially during times like these. To be clear, diabetics are not at greater risk necessarily of becoming infected; it’s just that their complications can be more dire! It is important to be aware of the best way to stay safe and hygienic during a viral outbreak such as the COVID-19 outbreak currently taking place. Diabetics should use some of the “best practices” that are the same as they are for the seasonal flu:

1. Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. A way to keep things interesting is by singing a verse or two of your favorite song to try and make sure you wash for long enough.
2. In between washes, or if water and soap are inaccessible, use alcohol- based hand sanitizer. It should be at least 60% alcohol. Be careful that you don’t only use hand sanitizer, as people tend to become dependent on it, and it is still quite healthy to stick to the trusty water and soap!
3. When sneezing, be sure to direct your nose towards your elbow or a tissue. Coronavirus spreads via droplets so if you sneeze in the direction of an individual, droplets of saliva, or other bodily fluids can potentially infect other individuals.
4. Avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes. If you do, be sure to sanitize your hands in whatever way is available to you.
5. Be sure to clean your hard surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, phones, and computers regularly with an alcohol- based disinfectant that can kill viruses. Coronavirus can live on hard surfaces for multiple hours, and up to a few days.
6. It is less important to try and clean all soft surfaces, as Coronavirus can’t survive in such conditions.

Planning during a time like this is quite important. Be sure to collect as much as you possibly can. Information is arguably more important than hoarding food and supplies for the apocalypse, so make sure you have the contact information of your health professionals, your pharmacy and your insurance provider.There are some items that you should keep in mind and keep on hand, especially if you are being self-contained:

1. It is a great idea to try and secure extra refills on your prescriptions so you do not have to leave the house. Also see if your pharmacy can deliver (Consider that pharmacies and pharmacies may become a bit overburdened!).
2. Try and keep lots of fruits and vegetables on hand to maintain your health, even during this trying time.
3. You may be less active than normal, and you therefore may not pay attention to the fluids you are drinking. Be sure to drink enough water!
4. Lower the risk of exposure when in large public spaces. Try and find an outdoor space where you can walk but minimize human interaction. Stretching your legs and getting fresh air is still very important for your physical, mental, and emotional health.

More than 100 cases of COVID-19 have been identified and diagnosed in Illinois. Containment is key to minimizing spread. If we are going to #flattenthecurve, it is imperative that all members of society, Chicago and beyond take this seriously. Even while we are going through this difficult time, senior living communities, whether in Barrington, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Inverness, Bull Valley, Crystal Lake, Schaumberg, and Hoffman Estates, are taking all the necessary precautions to keep your loved ones safe. Senior Living Experts can help you find the best senior living community in the area.

For more information: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home.htmlhttps://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/treatment-care/planning-sick-days/coronavirus