Pune: COVID-19 has highlighted the need for people suffering from hypertension and diabetes to be extra careful about their health. About 73 per cent of victims of COVID-19 in Maharashtra have comorbidities as per a report by the State Health Department.
Speaking with Sakal Times, Dr Harshal Ekatpure, Endocrinologist at Ruby Hall Clinic said it is important for patients to monitor their blood pressure (BP) and sugar level every week.
"There is no need to panic. Many patients have shared that there is an increase in anxiety. This may increase BP. It is important to have a healthy lifestyle. Patients should practice aerobics and do basic stretching exercises," said Dr Ekatpure.
Dr Vishal Sehgal, Medical Director, Portea Medical said, "Those with existing comorbid conditions are more vulnerable to complications if they contract an infection. Reports suggest many COVID-19 deaths have been in people with health issues like high blood pressure and heart diseases. People with such conditions should consume a balanced diet, engage in light physical activity and continue with their medication."
Dr Vichar Nigam, Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, said India has the highest number of diabetic patients in South East Asia.
"Hypertension has been running in families and new onsets are a product of competitive lifestyle without exercises and poor quality nutrition causing obesity. When these diseases are uncontrolled, they pose a serious threat to the body's immune system. These diseases cause increased blood clotting tendency leading to brain strokes, heart attacks and pulmonary (lung) emergencies," said Dr Nigam.
"Follow up with your doctor with your sugar reports or BP readings. Presently, it is mandatory to change the diet and exercise schedule to meet the reduced body demands," Dr Nigam added.
Dr Atul Joshi, Consultant Physician at Sahyadri Hospital said, "At home people tend to overeat. Repeated negative news leads to depression, which causes binge eating and sleep deprivation, which may worsen lifestyle diseases."
