Advice please

[Julia2008]

Hi there everyone. I’m a type one diabetic of 24 years. I’m fairly fit and reasonably healthy. I currently work in a small hospital on the food service. I have direct contact with the patients (although I can stand a metre away) We currently have 20 patients all in separate rooms. One of our patients is suspected covid19 We wear gowns masks and gloves when we go into their room. What risk does it have for me? And should I be staying at home? I work 3 days a week. I’d be grateful for any advice.

 

[SB2015]

First of all THANK YOU to one of the many key workers battling this for us on the front line.

As someone with T1 you are at no more risk of catching the virus than anyone else. As I am sure you know things just get a bit more tricky managing levels when we do get ill. (I have been amazed sometimes how big an increase I need in my doses at times.)

The advice from DUK is regularly updated and is comprehensive.

Coronavirus and diabetes updates

All the coronavirus information below applies to the whole of the UK, unless specified. We've noted where are some differences in guidance and diabetes services across the UK.

www.diabetes.org.uk

Have a look through and come back with any questions.

 

[Tee G]

Hi and welcome @Julia2008 - Good to know you are fit and well and diabetes well controlled (you havent mentioned any problems in your post)....

I cant give you advice on your working conditions. Although it seems to me, from what you have said, You are not in contact 24/7. Every precaution to keep staff safe as possible are being taken by the department. I suspect you are better protected then many others, standing in supermarket queues 6 inches apart from unknown suspects!. I would have thought, being surrounded my medics, you would be better asking one of them? or ask your Line Manager for instructions.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hi there everyone. I’m a type one diabetic of 24 years. I’m fairly fit and reasonably healthy. I currently work in a small hospital on the food service. I have direct contact with the patients (although I can stand a metre away) We currently have 20 patients all in separate rooms. One of our patients is suspected covid19 We wear gowns masks and gloves when we go into their room. What risk does it have for me? And should I be staying at home? I work 3 days a week. I’d be grateful for any advice.

Welcome to the forum @Julia2008

My understanding is that having diabetes, particularly well-managed diabetes does not particularly increase your risk of contracting the virus, nor does it change your risk of developing a severe case - it’s just that if you *did* have a moderate or severe case then your diabetes would be an unwelcome complicating factor, with risk of DKA etc.

I think you need to speak to your employer about your safety, and how the recent ‘shielding’ advice affects your ability to work as a person at increased risk:

[Withdrawn] Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)

www.gov.uk

Its good that you are taking precautions while at work, as the current advice for people with diabetes is to work from home where possible (which it clearly isn't for you!)

 

[Ditto]

Hello and welcome to the forum @Julia2008 🙂