The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant concern for people with diabetes, here is some information regarding the specific risks for people with diabetes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant concern for people with diabetes and has resulted in an increasing number of enquiries to diabetes services regarding the specific risks for people with diabetes.
The situation is rapidly changing and so people should regularly check the Ministry of Health COVID- 19 website for information regarding all aspects of the outbreak (
www.health.govt.nz). It is likely the current crisis will continue for weeks and probably months, although the recent drop in case load in China is gratifying to see. Currently, in New Zealand, there has not been community transmission to date, but this is likely to occur over the coming weeks and will result in additional challenges for the community and the health system.
For most people infected with COVID-19, it is a mild to moderate %u2018flu-like illness. However, based on overseas experience, it appears that people with diabetes who contract COVID-19 are at increased risk of serious complications of the infection, including respiratory failure and death.