We know that things feel a little scary and uncertain at the moment. Your experience of living with Type Diabetes and the stresses and uncertainties it brings will make you more prepared to cope with this situation more than most people.
If you're finding yourself worrying, it might help to try to focus on the things that you can control in your life.
Things you CAN controlFocusing on these can help your body and mindKNOW YOUR SICK ‘SICK DAY RULES’If unsure, check out www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/illness Things you CAN'T controlFocusing your worry on these won't help youBEING MORE VULNERABLEHaving Diabetes may make you more vulnerable, if you are not well controlled to becoming unwell if you should catch the virus.
CHECK OUT YOUR JOB POLICY Regarding sickness / time off
KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 AND & WHAT TO DO Check out symptoms and what you should do if you start experiencing these, using 111 & NHSDirect website
Public Health England, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Gov.uk websites give current procedures and recommendations
Try to keep Blood Glucose in range, ensure you have hypo treatments available and repeat prescriptions of kit such as blood test strips, if needed
Try to make good food choices – this could be your chance to expand your cooking skills! Try to maintain a good exercise level.
Keep in touch with friends and family If you're isolating, remember to care for yourself mentally
Feel confident in saying "no" and ask for help if you feel you need it
WASH YOUR HANDS!
Do what you are able to do and try to get stuck in other people's stuff
You do not have control over who catches it. Just try to be supportive and understanding for the people who do get COVID-19
It is not your fault if you catch COVID-19. Be kind and compassionate to yourself
Get your news from reliable sources. It's OK to take a break from the news if it feels too much
This can be really disappointing and a hard decision to make, especially if you are the once doing the cancelling, BUT do what is safe and what is needed
This can be scary and may make you feel anxious. Do the best you can to keep yourself and those around you safe
You can't control the availability of supplies. Try to be patient and try not to panic buy.
It may be more difficult to contact your healthcare team or attend appointments. However, there are likely to be alternative options such as phone or Skype appointments
If you have been advised to self-isolate and have to miss work, school or appointments; this is okay and the best course of action to stop the spread of the virus