After completing the research and analyzing the articles, it is possible to suggest a best practice that may be helpful and effective in defining the relationship between diabetes and COVID-19 and providing a way to reduce mortality from COVID-19. First of all, it is essential to note that further studies are needed. Though the articles evaluated above offer a valuable contribution to the topic, this research should become more global to estimate the conditions of patients around the world and draw more specific conclusions. Overall, the best practice that emerges from this research is connected with the useful recommendations for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in diabetic patients. To begin with, Abdi et al. (2020) state that there are currently no “possible special treatments that could be useful for diabetes patients with COVID-19” (para. 3.6). Nevertheless, some recommendations can be beneficial and help such patients feel better. For example, it is suggested that diabetics with the coronavirus should be provided and treated with glycemic and blood glucose control, self-monitoring, in-home visits, remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, higher acuity office visits, and use of social media (Abdi et al., 2020). Further, it is also possible to treat such patients with “antibiotics (meropenem, linezolid), antiviral agents (ganciclovir, oseltamivir), and symptomatic treatment with unknown medications” (Abdi et al., 2020, para. 3.6). Finally, these people may feel better and have their symptoms eliminated by following a nutritional meal plan, making sure that protein intake is adequate, performing daily exercise, and taking pneumonia and influenza vaccines (Abdi et al., 2020, para. 3.6). Even though further studies with strong evidence are needed, it is possible to say that currently, this is the best practice.
Further, there is another best practice that emerges from the fourth article mentioned in the table. According to Singh et al. (2020), it is vital to study the specific aspects of diabetes pathophysiology and the relationship of antidiabetic drugs in the context of coronavirus. This information may be beneficial for finding the primary and most effective ways of treating diabetics with COVID-19. First of all, the authors mention that “increased ACE-2 expression might predispose people with diabetes to infection with SARS CoV2” (Singh et al., 2020, p. 305). Then, since diabetes is associated with furin increase, there is a higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19 because furin is connected with the entry of coronaviruses into the cell (Singh et al., 2020, p. 305). Further, the modern infection increases several cytokines, involving IL-6, which is also higher in diabetes and increases the chances of also developing COVID-19. Most importantly, SARS CoV has been proven to cause hyperglycemia in patients with no pre-existing diabetes (Singh et al., 2020, p. 305). Even though it is impossible to state that coronavirus has the same effect, it is still vital to monitor blood glucose levels during follow-up and in the acute stage. These authors also develop the topic of treating COVID-19-diabetic patients (Singh et al., 2020). For instance, they find it efficient to intake approximately the same number of calories and eat healthy food. Further, exercising and taking care of the feet may reduce the complications. Insulin, antidiabetic drugs, and telemedicine are emphasized and cannot be ignored during these difficult times (Singh et al., 2020). Finally, it is vital to make sure that diabetics are educated about their conditions and know the symptoms that signal the need to seek medical attention urgently. These best practices increase the possibility of preventing diabetics from developing COVID-19 and finding treatment for those who got infected.
References
Abdi, A., Jalilian, M., Sarbarzeh, P. A., & Vlaisavljevic, Z. (2020). Diabetes and COVID-19: A systematic review on the current evidences.Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 166. Web.
Kumar, A., Arora, A., Sharma, P., & Anikhindi, S. A. (2020). Is diabetes mellitus associated with mortality and severity of COVID-19? A meta-analysis. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, 14(4), 535-545. Web.
Muniyappa, R., & Gubbi, S. (2020). COVID-19 pandemic, coronaviruses, and diabetes mellitus.American Journal of Psychology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, 318(5). Web.
Singh, A. K., Gupta, R., Ghosh, A., & Misra, A. (2020). Diabetes in COVID-19: Prevalence, pathophysiology, prognosis and practical considerations. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, 14(4), 303-310. Web.