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Diabetes and COVID-19: What You Need to Know

The World Has Changed Greatly

Nearly three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, we live in a very different world than the one we left in 2020.  For people living with diabetes, this new world has been especially difficult to navigate, as it requires a certain hypervigilance that is unique from the rest of the population at large.


As 2023 begins, we’d like to take a look at the current state of the pandemic and what it means for people with diabetes.

women in masks making heart symbol

The Pandemic Isn’t Over

Now that life has returned to normal in many ways, it can be easy to forget that we are still in the midst of the pandemic.  The New York Times is reporting that we are still averaging about 45,000 new infections each week with deaths in the triple digits.


While it might be tempting to return to old habits, people with diabetes should remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to keep themselves safe.

two people in masks

People With Diabetes Are at Risk

You’re likely already aware that having diabetes puts you at an elevated risk of serious complications with a COVID-19 infection.  People with diabetes are more likely to be hospitalized and even die from COVID-19.


Unfortunately, as restrictions continue to lift and those around you become more laissez-faire with their precautions, you should remember to stay vigilant.


Continue to follow the CDC guidelines; always wear a mask indoors, wash your hands frequently, and maintain a safe distance from others at all times.  It’s not advisable to attend large social gatherings such as festivals or concerts, and you should always wear a mask for the entire duration of travel in a bus, train, or airplane.

#covid19 on a typewriter

Get Vaccinated

According to the most recent data, approximately 70.8% of the world’s population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.  That’s over 5.5 billion people!  All of the highest-quality research has demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccines are overwhelmingly safe and effective, and this includes people with diabetes. 


In fact, people with diabetes are given priority in the distribution of vaccines due to their high risk of severe or life-threatening complications with COVID-19.


While some individuals with autoimmune illnesses can’t take the vaccine, people with diabetes have been given approval.   If you have any questions about diabetes and the COVID-19 vaccination, we encourage you to consult your primary care doctor and your endocrinologist.  They will have a more accurate understanding of your unique circumstances and be able to advise accordingly.

person getting covid vaccine

Maintain Your Current Treatment Plan

There is strong evidence that people who have diabetes that is well managed are at reduced risk of developing serious complications with COVID-19.  This means that you should remain vigilant in adhering to the treatment plan that is recommended by your doctor and endocrinologist. 


Pay close attention to your diet.  Prioritize eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.  Avoid processed and sugary foods and drinks.  Find a form of exercise that you enjoy and stick with it.  If you are making the decision to avoid gyms due to concerns about the transmission of COVID-19, then cycling, team sports, and hiking are all great options. 


It can be tempting to neglect these lifestyle changes during the winter months especially, but it’s important that you consistently meet your management goals as this will reduce your risk of severe health conditions if you do contract the disease.

woman getting vaccine

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy

Beyond lifestyle maintenance, it’s important that you monitor your blood glucose levels at all times.  Make sure you are within your target A1C levels and contact your doctor if you notice any changes.


If you do contract COVID-19, seek medical treatment immediately.  If you live alone, make sure that you are in regular contact with friends and family who can help you if need be.


If you have any questions about how modern equipment can help you gather more robust data about your diabetes, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  We can advise you on the latest technology and help you achieve some piece of mind.

stay safe sign
woman using hand sanitizer
woman washing hands
covid vaccine
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woman with mask holding baby

Healthy Bites

Spinach Salad with Creamy Strawberry Vinaigrette

15 May, 2024
Strawberries are coming into season right now, which means they’re at their sweetest and most fragrant. Take advantage of their peak by giving them a starring role in a versatile spinach, feta, and cucumber salad. It’s well-known that fresh strawberries play well in spinach salads. While it’d be easy enough to slice them and toss them alongside baby spinach leaves, putting fresh strawberries in the dressing helps guarantee that bright berry flavor in every bite, and turns the whole dish a gorgeous shade of rose.  Add sliced strawberries too, if you like, and call it a double strawberry salad. While you’re at it, feel free to add other ingredients as well. Grilled chicken will turn this salad from a side into a weekday main dish; diced avocado and chopped toasted almonds will add richness and crunch. Or make it as written and it will be simply wonderful.

Diabetes Fast Food Guide: What to Order at Taco Bell

15 May, 2024
Ever wondered how to survive the drive-thru with diabetes? In this series, a dietitian walks through the best things to order at top fast food chains. This week we see what’s happening outside the bun at Taco Bell. Taco Bell is a beloved Mexican-inspired chain known for its bold flavors and creative menu offerings, from the Nachos BellGrande to the now-viral Crunchwrap Supreme. But to the dismay of glucometers everywhere, many of these menu items are centered around spiky carbs , which can make eating at the chain especially challenging for anyone with diabetes. There are, however, certain menu items that are less impactful on blood sugar than others.  “Taco Bell is very customizable to your needs and health goals,” said Andrew Akhaphong , a registered dietitian at Mackenthun’s Fine Foods in St. Paul, Minnesota. He shared his top diabetes-friendly menu choices from Taco Bell.

Quick and Easy Low-Carb Breakfast Recipes

08 May, 2024
Looking for a breakfast dish that you can grab on your way out the door? These low-carb recipes are easy to make and and taste great straight from the fridge. These breakfasts are the lovely kind that you can make ahead of time because you’re a good friend to your future morning self – the one who needs to start the day with a nourishing meal. The kind you need in your repertoire if you live with people who claim they have no time for breakfast.  They’re all easy to make and taste great straight from the fridge (although you can reheat the egg-based meals if you prefer). They also make excellent snacks – and, luckily, there’s no law saying you can’t eat the same thing at 3:00 pm that you ate at 8:00 am.

Best Ever Guacamole

01 May, 2024
This tangy guacamole with lime and salt is a perfect accompaniment to any Cinco de Mayo celebration. Avocados are also nutritional powerhouses, making them a healthy choice for people with diabetes. Probably you think your favorite part of chips and guac is the chips, but if you make really excellent guacamole and serve it with an exciting assortment of vegetables, you might not miss those chips as much as you imagine. Feel free to add whatever you like to this recipe: salsa, chopped tomatoes, even corn kernels. But try it plain first – that’s how we grew to love it after a trip to Mexico, where we were served chunky, simple guacamole seasoned only with lime and salt, and it was absolute perfection. Plus, avocados are filled with nutrients – like healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals – so you’ll feel great after eating it.

Diabetes-Friendly Sushi – Your Ultimate Guide

24 Apr, 2024
Sushi is a favorite dish for many, but navigating this carb-heavy food can pose a challenge for those with diabetes. Learn more about the varieties of sushi, nutrition information, and tips for enjoying diabetes-friendly sushi.  Sushi can be challenging for people with diabetes, who often refer to it as the “food they love that doesn’t love them back.” Why? Because depending on the type of sushi you order and the portion you eat, it can be a healthy pleasure, or a decadent disaster.

4 Plant-Based Proteins for People With Diabetes

18 Apr, 2024
Plant-based proteins like tofu and tempeh help with blood sugar control and support weight loss, making them a healthy food option for people with diabetes.  You might be looking to cut back on meat for several reasons. Red and processed meats have been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes and can worsen existing diabetes complications.

Five Best Diets for Diabetes

10 Apr, 2024
The U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2024 list of the best diets for people with diabetes. See which diets made the list, and the benefits and drawbacks of each. In descending order, the top five rankings of the best diets for people with diabetes were the Mediterranean, DASH, Flexitarian, MIND, and vegan diets. While all of these diets – better described as meal patterns – favor whole foods as well as minimize added sugars and refined carbohydrates, their approaches vary. All five diets, however, have been shown to help improve blood sugar levels while providing adequate nutrition.

DIABETES AND DRY MOUTH: HOW TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE

05 Apr, 2024
Beyond the impact diabetes has on blood sugar levels, one overlooked but critical issue is dry mouth. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia , occurs when there is a lack of saliva in your mouth to keep it moist. The persistent dryness of the mouth can create a number of challenges for people living with diabetes. Continue reading to learn more about diabetes and dry mouth. WHAT CAUSES DRY MOUTH WITH DIABETES? Anyone can get dry mouth, but it is particularly common in individuals with diabetes . The primary reason for this association is likely due to elevated glucose levels. When blood sugar levels are persistently elevated, it can lead to frequent urination, resulting in dehydration and dry mouth.

8 Best Grains for People With Diabetes

02 Apr, 2024
Grains are an excellent source of fiber and other vital nutrients, but which are best for diabetes? Here's why nutritious options like farro, oats, and quinoa are at the top of the list. You’ve heard both sides of the story: watch out for carbs and eat whole grains. Whole grains are indeed carbs. So, do you have to avoid them? The answer is a resounding no. You can enjoy an assortment of whole grains as part of your balanced diet. Grains have a blood-sugar-lowering effect , are extremely versatile, and can add variety to your meals. Which ones should be on your plate? Explore these grain options and discover why you should be eating them. What are grains? Grains are the seeds of grassy plants or cereals like wheat and corn. The seeds of non-grassy plants or pseudocereals like quinoa and buckwheat are also edible. Common grains include: 

Spiced Eggplant Steaks

21 Mar, 2024
This Middle Eastern-inspired roast eggplant dish comes from the “The Noom Kitchen,” a new cookbook from Noom that features nutrient-dense, calorically mindful recipes.
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