You may have heard that having diabetes puts you at greater risk of getting sick from the coronavirus (COVID-19). Experts agree that keeping your blood sugar in range may help protect you against the virus. It may also protect you from getting really sick if you do become infected with coronavirus. That’s because high blood sugar makes it harder for your body to fight infection.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your blood sugar regularly. You may even be asked to check more often than usual during this time. Having more information about your blood sugar can help your doctor see if your treatment plan is working.
Continue to follow the care plan you and your doctor have made. Here are more tips for managing your blood sugar:
- Check your blood sugar at least once a day or according to your doctor.
- Check at different times of day. For example, check first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything. Also check before and 2 hours after your largest meal of the day.
- Get more tips on when to check your blood sugar.
It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor about what to do if you start to feel sick. If you already have a sick day plan, review it to make sure you’re prepared. Learn more about managing diabetes when you are sick.
If you have high blood pressure, check it once a day or as your doctor recommends. This lets your doctor see how you’re doing. (Here are some tips to get accurate at-home blood pressure readings.)
Another way to protect yourself from coronavirus is to stay at home as much as possible. For example, your doctor may suggest a telehealth visit. This is a remote visit that can be done using your phone, computer or tablet. If you are going out for an appointment or anything else, wear a high-quality mask like an N95 or KN95.
Have up-to-date blood sugar and blood pressure readings ready for a telehealth visit with your doctor. You can share your Livongo Health Summary Report with your doctor right from your Livongo devices. This report lets your doctor see all your readings so they can change your care plan if needed. Follow these instructions to share your Livongo Health Summary Report.
Learn more about how to prepare for a virtual visit with your doctor.
Livongo’s expert coaches can help keep you on track with your health. You can message a coach through the Livongo app. Or you can schedule a one-on-one coaching session.
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