Diabetes UK issues latest guidance on coronavirus

By Editor
20th March 2020
Charity

The charity has published guidance on its website to help keep people with diabetes and their families safe amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The information provided by the charity is based on the latest guidance from the government.

A Diabetes UK spokesman said: “If you have diabetes, you are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) and according to current government guidance you should be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures, including significantly limiting face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible.”

How to avoid coronavirus (social distancing)

  1. Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and, or, a new and continuous cough.
  2. Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser.
  3. Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible.
  4. Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to gov.uk guidance for employers for more information.
  5. Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars or clubs.
  6. Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology instead, such as phone, internet, and social media.
  7. Use telephone or online services to contact your GP practice or other essential services.

However, this guidance is constantly being updated. To access more information from Diabetes UK and the latest guidance that the charity is issuing, click here.

Comments (29)

  1. john fredrick says:

    Good Info
    I was diagnosed with Type2 Diabetes and managed to reverse it and keep control of my blood sugar levels.
    some good detail here http://giftslate.com/diabetes

  2. Angela Fraser says:

    I am the mother of a 15 year old who has type 1 and under active thyroid .
    Should I avoid returning to work within a school if at all possible?
    The government guidelines aren’t specific on answering my concern .I don’t want to place any extra risk on my child .

  3. Mary Duffey says:

    I am asthmatic, type 2 diabetic in remission and on blood thinning medication for life following massive pulmonary embolism in 2013 when according to doctors in hospital “you are very lucky to still be here”! Should I be self isolating. I have not received a text message or a letter.I am a care assistant in nursing home.

  4. Kyle Dale-brailsford says:

    I’m type 1 diabetes and work in retail and need a NHS letter to take into work and I’ve phoned 111 and the lady spoke to told me to be patient and I’ll get one but haven’t received one yet and it’s been a month and work really needs me to take one in how can I get one?

  5. Nikolett Kalman says:

    Hi I’m type 1 diabetic and I have coeliac disease my splin is not working I had all the important injections..But I’m working in the nursing home but at the moment the nursing home have a covid19 resident.Amd.i don’t know what to do!?Should I have to keep.going to work!?I don’t get any answers…and I’m.scare just like other people.how have diabetes any disease..Please help me Thank you

  6. Stuart Woods says:

    Despite receiving letter I am ignoring it. Whilst I might be considered stupid as a lorry driver I am isolated most of the time. I have also had mild symptoms so it’s time to get back working. I will also isolate when I am home.

  7. Editor says:

    Good afternoon,

    I hope you’re staying safe during this testing time.

    Firstly, I advise you to contact the Diabetes UK Helpline.
    Call: 0345 123 2399, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Email: helpline@diabetes.org.uk

    Professor Partha Kar, National Specialty Advisor for Diabetes with NHS England, has said people with any type of diabetes should stay home if they can unless it is “essential” they continue working.

    https://diabetestimes.co.uk/top-nhs-health-expert-urges-people-with-diabetes-to-stay-home-if-they-can-amid-covid-19/

    The government is advising people with diabetes to be “particularly stringent” in following social distancing measures. Here is the advice from the government.

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

    Kind regards and stay safe

    Emily

  8. alisa wilson says:

    Thanks for sharing such a useful information with us. I think you should write more on this topic .
    https://www.comfortfinds.com/

  9. Karen Abrams says:

    My husband has diabetes type 2, has been advised to stay at home but employer wants a nhs letter to enable 80% payments to be given to him but he hasnt recieved a nhs letter, are diabetics going to get this letter,no one has answered my question yet, even at our surgery, he cannot afford to live on ssp but his health is at risk, please can someone give me a answer TIA

  10. Ian Maunsell says:

    I have type 2 diabetes and I am working from home. My wife works in a supermarket. Should she still be working because I suspect her social contacting puts me at risk.
    Thank you
    Ian