Long-term fatigue awaits diabetics hit by Covid-19

Diabetic patients who have recovered from Covid-19 infection are likely to suffer fatigue for a longer period than patients who did not have Covid-19, a study has indicated. It suggests that diabetes may complicate the course of Covid-19 and result in excess morbidity and mortality. Presence of diabetes also influences post-Covid-19 syndrome (PCS) and poses challenges in recovery, the study points out.

Conceived by Dr. Anoop Misra, Executive Chairman and Director, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Fortis C-DOC, the study was conducted jointly by Fortis C-DOC, AIIMS, C-NET, N-DOC and Diabetes Foundation. It assessed prevalence of fatigue in patients with Type-II diabetes after Covid-19 infection, and compared them with patients with diabetes without a history of Covid-19. The sample size was 108 Type-II diabetes patients.

“Fatigue is a predominant and very debilitating factor, present afterwards in both hospitalised and non-hospitalised Covid patients. Fatigue and associated symptoms decrease quality of life and interfere with normal working capacity. Diabetes poses challenges in recovery of patients. It is imperative, therefore, for chronic diabetic patients to follow a healthy lifestyle, adhere to treatment guidelines and go for regular health checks,” said Dr. Misra.

According to him, the study re-emphasises the need for sustained and more stringent management of diabetes during a pandemic. “Covid-19 fatigue should be addressed through a multidisciplinary approach which includes the treating clinician, psychological counsellor, nutritionist and physical therapy expert. Blood glucose and blood pressure should be optimal and more aggressive glycemic management is required. Special care must be taken regarding nutrition and protein and vitamin supplements should be used as required. Exercise and physiotherapy should be started early after Covid-19 as it may benefit not only fatigue but cardiovascular and pulmonary health and mental well-being of the patient too,” he added.

The PCS or Long Covid has emerged as a major roadblock in recovery of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Amidst many symptoms such as muscle pain, headache, cough and breathlessness, fatigue is most prevalent and makes a Covid patient severely debilitated.