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The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented situations and the measures implemented almost all over the world have affected the daily lives of all of us. People with diabetes mellitus (DM) are also called upon to manage any complications in the event that they become ill.

The preventive measures that must be taken to protect against the coronavirus for people with diabetes do not differ much from the general population.

A few days ago (19/3/2020) the International Society for Pediatric & Adolescent Diabetes, International Society for Pediatric & Adolescent Diabetes (www.ispad.org) published guidelines regarding COVID-19.

Below are answers to possible questions regarding the subject.

How is coronavirus (COVID-19) transmitted?

It is transmitted through droplets from coughing and sneezing.

How can we protect ourselves from COVID-19?

• We wash our hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or use antiseptics.
• We avoid close contact (keep a distance of more than 1.5 meters).
• When we cough or sneeze, we cover our mouth and nose with our elbow or tissue and wash our hands immediately.
• We avoid touching surfaces and then touching our face or nose.

Can children with diabetes go to school?

Children with diabetes are no different from other children, so the measures that are generally applied in each region apply.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 and what should I do?

Typical symptoms are similar to those caused by the common cold (cough, difficulty breathing, fever, exhaustion)

When we have suspicious symptoms, STAY HOME, and contact the treating physician or the responsible service.

What should a child with diabetes do if they get sick with COVID-19?

Simply, they apply the rules for sick days (Sick days Management, ISPAD guidelines):

• We measure blood sugar and ketones frequently (target sugar 70-180 mg/dl, ketones <0.6 mmol/l)
• NEVER STOP insulin, we may need to increase the dose.
• We drink plenty of fluids for good hydration.
• Antipyretics when needed.

IMPORTANT & EMERGENCY

(CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IN THE FOLLOWING CASES):

• Fever and persistent vomiting
• Rapid breathing, abdominal pain, confusion
• Blood ketones >1.5 mmol/l

Are children and young people with diabetes at higher risk of getting sick from the Coronavirus?

Children with diabetes are not at higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19 than the general child population.

Also, based on the data so far, COVID-19 is mild in the majority of children and young people, and the same applies to children with diabetes.

The recent (March 24, 2020) announcement from the International Society for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes (www.ispad.org) is encouraging.

In conclusion

• Children with diabetes are NOT at greater risk than other children.
• Stay calm and take care of your diabetes as always.
• We are closely following the instructions of the Ministry of Health to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
• Managing this new pandemic, on an individual or collective level, is the responsibility of all of us.