Diabetes teams at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust have reassured patients they continue to be there to offer support and advice throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Staff have been advising patients on the steps they can take to stay safe, as well as reassuring them about the coronavirus risks.
Gaynor Kebbell, diabetes facilitator for Bath 3-D Integrated Diabetes Care, based at the RUH said, “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we have been there for our patients, offering advice and support and carrying out over 90% of our consultations remotely.
“One of the key messages we have been giving our patients, to reassure them at this understandably worrying time, is that having diabetes does not increase your risk of catching coronavirus.
“However, diabetes can reduce your immunity, so if someone with diabetes does catch the virus, it could potentially cause them to become more ill than someone who does not have diabetes.
“We have been advising patients to keep a close eye on their blood glucose levels. If you have diabetes and catch coronavirus, it’s important to keep your blood glucose level below 14mmol/mol. If it rises above this, contact your healthcare professional or NHS 111 urgently for advice.
“The good news is that the majority of people with diabetes who contract the virus experience only mild to moderate symptoms and make a full recovery.”
