Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
the World Health Organization have identified people living with diabetes at
increased risk of complications from coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection, also
known as COVID-19.Type 2 diabetes does not cause an elevated risk of infection
per se but a greater risk of complications and mortality that arise from
COVID-19 infection. Cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and organ dysfunction,
including kidney and eye, all are common issues associated with Type 2
diabetes, and have been seen to be further exacerbated by COVID-19
infection.While doctors still do not have enough evidence to explain all of the
ways the virus affects the body, reports from all over the world have
identified connections between inflammation and blood coagulation abnormalities
and dangerous outcomes from the virus.However, what many have not discussed is
the possibility that quarantines, stay-at-home orders and remote working —
necessary to prevent the spreading of the virus — may also present additional
risk for those who already experience a sedentary lifestyle. A study by the
National Institutes of Health shows that people who spend significant amounts
of time not being active are subject to a 112 percent greater risk of potential
complications, including Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome Coronavirus,
and therefore, presents not only risks to those with Type 2 diabetes, but to
those already at risk for Type 2 diabetes. Obesity is a key cause of Type 2
diabetes and one that the CDC has long been concerned about as a growing
problem in the United States — even before the current pandemic — and the
lifestyle changes which tend toward activities which lean toward weight gain
rather than weight loss.Health experts are therefore emphasizing the importance
of maintaining metabolic health by managing potential risk factors associated
with the disease, all while maintaining social distancing and engaging in safe
behaviors connected to preventing the spread of COVID-19.A variety of tools
have become available in recent years that utilize modern technology, including
app-driven diet, exercise and behavior modification plans, but the precision
required in order to mitigate diabetes risk has been limited. One recently
introduced system, BEATdiabetes, consists of a unique smartphone and/or tablet
app comprising a digital version of a successful diabetes weight management
program by the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, Mass. It provides a suite of
life management tools that provide users with personalized coaching driven by a
unique, AI-based digital platform that responds to the specific needs of the
user."Even in the best of times, people at risk for Type 2 diabetes must
be extra vigilant in order to manage their weight, their blood pressure and
other potential risk factors," says Faz Chowdury, Ph.D., chairman and CEO
of Nemaura Medical, Inc., which developed the system. "It can be a
daunting task that requires constant maintenance – especially when trying to
manage it alone."In addition, the company has developed the sugarBEAT
non-invasive continuous glucose monitor, that adheres to the skin (not pierces
it), tracking a user’s glycemic levels throughout the day and providing
valuable coaching in response. Nemaura Medical believes that regular use of the
system can improve the health of people with Type 2 diabetes who need extra
help managing it, prevent diabetes to those at very high risk, such as
pre-diabetes, and may even reverse diabetes in some patients.While COVID-19 may
pose additional risk for people with Type 2 diabetes, it is especially
important to identify solutions to manage Type 2 diabetes while protecting
yourself from the virus.
