The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has emphasised that proper nutrition and hydration are vital in ensuring people stay healthy, physically and emotionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is particularly important for people who have chronic health conditions, according to Dr. Kholood Al Mutawa, Senior Consultant, Community Medicine and Head of Non-Communicable Disease at MoPH.
“COVID-19 has an impact on everyone with no exceptions. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is even more important to boost our immune system and to protect our mental as well as physical health. We at the Ministry of Public Health are working hard to promote healthy lifestyle during COVID-19 in order to provide the public with simple practical guidelines,” she said speaking in an awareness video posted on the Ministry’s social media handles.
Dr. Al Mutawa has said that it is also important for everyone, but especially anyone who is diabetic and has other chronic diseases, to be more mindful of food choices and eating patterns.
“It is essential for everyone, especially for diabetic patients to take a balanced diet and drink plenty of water in order to ensure proper functioning of their bodies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, regular physical activity will benefit both the body and mind,” she said in a video titled, ‘Diabetes and Healthy Lifestyle during COVID-19 Pandemic’.
“It can reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Staying home should not be an excuse for being inactive. You can do a lot in your house, such as climbing stairs, household activities, and playing with your children,” said Dr. Al Mutawa.
She also highlighted that staying healthy is important during the pandemic as people with chronic diseases are more vulnerable to get complications from the virus.
According to MoPH guidelines for people living with type 2 diabetes and those with chronic diseases, they have less immunity than healthy people When blood sugar is high, the cells that fight infection does not function to clear the infection, allowing the infection to grow quickly.
People with diabetes are also encouraged to call Diabetes Hotline 16099 if they notice that their blood sugar readings are getting high (more than 300mg/dl after two consecutive tests during a period of two to eight hours) or any other related complications.
