Diabetes and COVID-19
There have been many media reports concerning how individuals with diabetes may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Diabetes Association has issued the following statements to address these concerns:
People with diabetes are NOT more likely to get COVID-19 than the general population.
However, should they contract COVID-19 they are more likely to experience serious symptoms and complications. When sick with a viral infection, people with diabetes face an increased risk of DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis), commonly experienced by people with type 1 diabetes.
There is no difference in risk from COVID-19 between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Read more from the American Diabetes Association here
Managing Your Care
Your risk of getting sick from COVID-19 is likely to be lower if your diabetes is well managed.
Amidst quarantines and shelter-in-place orders it may be more difficult to maintain your regular diet and exercise regimen. But doing so must be a priority in these challenging times, as well as monitoring your blood sugar and keeping up with scheduled medical appointments.
We are Here to Help
Our diabetes specialty clinic and endocrinology department are located in our new Medical Surgical Center, where we have space and resources to consult with and treat more patients than ever before. Our services include:
- General diabetes education
- Support to help manage continuous glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps
- A1C testing
- 1-on-1 consultation with a Certified Diabetes Educator (requires a physician referral)
- Guidance and assistance from psychologists, dietitians, and nutrition experts
During the pandemic we rely primarily on telephone and video consultations to care for patents and provide the educational resources they need to manage their diabetes. These telehealth appointments can be scheduled through MyChart.
A referral from your primary care doctor is required before scheduling an appointment.
Schedule an Appointment at our Clinic
Coming Soon
Our clinic will soon be offering diabetes education classes twice each month, in both English and Spanish. A video of these classes will be posted on this page.
Contact Us
Call 951-486-4000 and ask for the Diabetes Specialty Clinic.