By Veronica Corral
The Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM) on Thursday (March 31) said there was an increase of diabetic patients being hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PSEDM Vice President Dr. Carol Montano said in a Laging Handa briefing episode that a meta-analysis study has shown the presence of “new onset of diabetes” following COVID-19 infection.
“Iyon pong nagkaroon ng COVID, nagkaroon po ng pagtaas ng kaso ng diabetes. This is compared po sa time na wala po tayong COVID-19,” she said.
“Nakita po ito sa meta analysis na ‘yung 18 years old and above, nakakita po tayo ng pagtaas at pagdami ng kaso,” she added.
Dr. Montano also explained the importance of detecting and monitoring blood sugar levels of patients infected by COVID-19.
“‘Yung mga [may] 140 and above na sugar, nako-control po iyon after ng infection. May mga pasyente po last year and this year, ‘yung mga 140 and above, diabetic na po pala sila for the past 6 months or 3 months na po,” she said.
“So the more po na nade-detect natin dahil sa pagmo-monitor ng blood sugar, mas nakikita na natin na marami na pa lang may diabetes,” she added.
Boosters
Meanwhile, the PSEDM has been coordinating with the Department of Health to encourage individuals with diabetes to get their COVID-19 booster shots, noting that there has been a decline in hospital admissions of boostered individuals diagnosed with diabetes.
“Nakita po natin na tumaas ang protection ng mga may diabetes nang magkaroon po sila ng booster. Hindi po naging enough ‘yung full dose eh. Marami po sa mga pasyente na may diabetes, after 4 months nagkaroon po sila ng…either new variant na COVID-19,” she said.
Despite having protection from vaccines, the medical expert reminded those with diabetes who were vaccinated to follow health and safety protocols to prevent any health complications.
“Ang lagi po naming paalala ang natatapos lang po ay iyong COVID pero iyong pong diabetes ay hindi natatapos,” she said. – ag
