The Joy of Sharing Science No.2, Everything you need to know about COVID-19 Biology Supplement

Joy of Sharing Science
diabetes), the cell surface is coated with viral entry points and optimally
assembled viral entry proteins.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes – regardless of what type you have – you are no more
likely to catch coronavirus than anyone else. The majority of people who do
get coronavirus will have mild symptoms and don’t need to go into hospital.
However everyone with diabetes, including those with type 1, type 2,
gestational and other types, is vulnerable to developing a severe illness if they
do get the coronavirus, but the way it affects them can vary from person to
person. Being ill can make your blood sugar go all over the place. Your body
tries to fight the illness by releasing stored glucose (sugar) into your
bloodstream to give you energy. But your body can’t produce enough or any
insulin to cope with this, so your blood sugar rises.
Asthma
There have been several reports that steroids are contraindicated in COVID-
19 disease, so many are wondering what people with asthma should do if their
controller medication is a steroid (inhaled or oral). The short answer is
continue taking your controller medications and do not stop them. The data
suggesting that steroids might increase the shedding of SARS-CoV-2 comes
from treating hospitalized patients with systemic steroids just for the viral
illness. The use of steroids for treating other diseases (like asthma) was not
studied.
Taking medications which repress the immune system
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) is
providing guidance on the continued use of corticosteroids for patients with
allergies and asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no data that
continuing these allergy and asthma medications will have any effect on
increasing your risk of getting the COVID-19 infection or if you get the
infection, lead to a worse outcome. It is important to control your allergy and
asthma symptoms as they may lead to misdiagnosis of COVID-19 as there are
some overlap of symptoms.
References:
“During COVID-19 Pandemic, Normal Allergy and Asthma Medications Should Be
Continued.” ACAAI Public Website, 23 June 2020, acaai.org/news/during-covid-19-
pandemic-normal-allergy-and-asthma-medications-should-be-continued.