People living with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of
dying with COVID-19 with a third of deaths in England associated
with the condition, according to new NHS research.
The health service in England has called on people with
diabetes to access help available to them, including a new
dedicated helpline and online tools to help manage the condition
during the outbreak.
Published today, the world-leading studies reveal that
people living with type 1 diabetes are at three and a half times
the risk, and people living with type 2 are at double the risk of
dying in hospital with the virus, compared to people without
diabetes.
However, by far the strongest risk factor for dying with
the virus is age, and people with type 1 diabetes are on average
younger than people with type 2 diabetes.
Overall, 7,466 of those who died in hospitals in England
had type 2 and 365 who died had type 1 diabetes, and the research
suggests that the threat for those under 40 with type 1 or type 2
diabetes is very low.
The study also shows that in people with both type 1 and
type 2 diabetes, even when all other known factors are taken into
account, higher blood glucose levels and obesity are linked to
higher risk.
Video consultations and online appointments, as well as
routine discussions with GPs, are among a range of measures that
the NHS has adopted so that diabetes care can continue throughout
the pandemic.
A dedicated helpline has also been introduced, together
with Diabetes UK, Novo Nordisk and Insulet, to advise those who
need help with insulin.
The new helpline is part of a package of measures already
in place for people with diabetes or at risk, including the
world-leading Diabetes Prevention Programme, which has already
successfully helped almost 90,000 people who were at risk of type
2, to lose a combined weight of more than 407, 967 pounds.
Patients will also receive additional support from online
education services for type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help them to
manage their condition better.
Findings also show:
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The overall death rate for people with diabetes doubled
during the early stage of the pandemic.
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In both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, men,
people of black or Asian ethnicity, and people living in more
deprived communities, were at higher risk.
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In both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, those
with pre-existing kidney disease, heart failure and previous
stroke, were also at higher risk.
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, national clinical director for
diabetes and obesity and lead author of the study
said:
“This research shows the extent of the risk of
coronavirus for people with diabetes and the different risks for
those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
“Importantly, it also shows that higher blood glucose
levels and obesity further increase the risk in both types of
diabetes.
“This can be worrying news but we would like to reassure
people that the NHS is here for anyone with concerns about
diabetes – and has put extra measures in place to help people and
keep them safe, including online sites to support people to care
for themselves, telephone and digital consultations, and a
dedicated new helpline for advice and support for people treated
with insulin.”
People with diabetes are also advised:
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If you are concerned about your diabetes during the
coronavirus pandemic, the NHS is here to help. Contact your GP
Practice or Diabetes team.
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If you have diabetes and have been contacted by your
specialist eye or foot care team, please go to your
appointments to receive treatment to avoid these problems
getting worse. Clinics are taking extra protective measures to
keep people safe.
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The 4Ts - toilet, thirsty, tired and thinner - are signs
of a life-threatening diabetic emergency, diabetic ketoacidosis
or ‘DKA’. If you recognise these signs, seek urgent medical
advice from your GP Practice (or 111 out of hours); if you
already have diabetes, contact your Diabetes team; or if
you feel very unwell, call 999.
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If you have diabetes and see a cut or blister on your
foot, it may be a sign of a foot ulcer. Call your GP Practice
to get it checked as soon as possible. If you do have an ulcer
or other serious foot problem, you will be referred to see a
specialist urgently.
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If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening
emergency – call 999.
