Diabetes a key factor in rise of Covid-19 fatalities

Mangaluru: That the diabetic strain in one’s blood is likely to increase the chances of a patient succumbing to the pandemic is a point that has been reiterated again and again. It is to this end that doctors have stressed the need to adopt a diet that is low on carbohydrates, which, in addition to keeping one’s blood sugar low, enhances one’s immunity. Data from the Dakshina Kannada health and family welfare department indicates that among those who have succumbed to Covid-19 in the district, a considerable number had diabetes.
Between July 17 and July 31, as many as 92 fell prey to the pandemic, among whom 31 – 33.7% – had diabetes, the data indicates. Among other problems, an imbalanced diet can lead to diabetes, chronic lung, and pulmonary disorders, hypertension and obesity, said Dr Sandeep Samethadka Nayak, a physician of internal medicine in California, United States of America.
“These inherent diseases weaken the immune system of the human body, as a result of which the defences against the novel coronavirus will be vulnerable right at the outset. So, there is a higher chance of viral infection-related inflammation acting on pre-existing chronic inflammation and the subsequent cytokine – a chemical secreted by the body’s immunity system – surge can further damage the organs,” he added.
Dr Nayak, however, said that, despite the lack of opportunity to carry out clinical trials on the effect diet has on Covid-19 patients, a study conducted in China showed that improved glycemic control – intake of carbohydrates – had resulted in a corresponding improvement in the condition of Covid-19 patients with pre-existing type-2 diabetes. “This indicates that a low-carbohydrate diet keeps the body’s defences strong in its fight against Covid-19,” he said.
The number of people in India with diabetes is pegged at around 77 million, while 135 million are thought to be obese. The large number of people with such co-morbidities has added to the problems in arresting the transmission of the novel coronavirus. “A preventive and participative nutrition programme that promotes reduced intake of carbohydrates needs to be pushed by policymakers. The diet prescribed by the Karnataka government is high on carbohydrates and low on proteins, which could be detrimental to the health of Covid-19 patients,” said Dr Nayak.
Dakshina Kannada district health officer Dr Ramachandra Bairy said that people with the aforementioned co-morbidities and those aged above 60 were classified as being ‘high risk’, who were more susceptible to contracting the Covid-19 infection, and urged them against stepping out of their homes unnecessarily.