CORONAVIRUS AND DIABETICS AGED UNDER 70

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Caroline Pond

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
One BBC News Report I heard said diabetics under 70 will have to self- isolate and an item on the BBC website refered to people with respiratory conditions (not mentioning diabetics at all) under 70 will have to self- isolate.Does anyone know what exactly is the situation at the moment for diabetics under the age of 70 is at the moment?
 
One BBC News Report I heard said diabetics under 70 will have to self- isolate and an item on the BBC website refered to people with respiratory conditions (not mentioning diabetics at all) under 70 will have to self- isolate.Does anyone know what exactly is the situation at the moment for diabetics under the age of 70 is at the moment?
 
Caroline Pond said:
One BBC News Report I heard said diabetics under 70 will have to self- isolate and an item on the BBC website refered to people with respiratory conditions (not mentioning diabetics at all) under 70 will have to self- isolate.Does anyone know what exactly is the situation at the moment for diabetics under the age of 70 is at the moment?
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Welcome to the forum @Caroline Pond 🙂

I‘ve not heard anything definite yet - only that restrictions are ‘being considered’ as part of future phases of restrictions.
 
This story, updated an hour ago, says that the sorts of restrictions you are talking about *may* be introduced ‘within weeks’

Coronavirus: Isolation for over-70s 'within weeks' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51895873
 
Caroline Pond said:
Does anyone know what exactly is the situation at the moment for diabetics under the age of 70 is at the moment?
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As far as I understand it there's nothing special yet. But at some point it'll be suggested that we practice social distancing, so likely working from home where that's possible, limiting groups, etc. So not quite the same as self-isolation (which is what people who suspect they might be infected do).

Though some other doctor suggested that to avoid catching the infection, it's good to act as though you were infected and do all the things you'd do to try to avoid passing it on.
 
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It strikes me that this would appear to be a means of taking pressure off the NHS in Englandshire, and not a considered way to halt the progress of this virus.

Mind you, none of the UK government’s advice is.
 
mikeyB said:
It strikes me that this would appear to be a means of taking pressure off the NHS in Englandshire, and not a considered way to halt the progress of this virus.
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The government's judgement seems to be that halting it isn't feasible. And so if we really tried hard and did get it to manageable levels (as some countries seem to have done) we'd be really screwed as those measures were relaxed. (I must admit I've no idea at all whether I agree with that judgement. I'd have thought we should go drastic early, and watch really carefully as things are relaxed, and be ready to repeat several times over the next couple of years (when, one hopes, we'll have some effective vaccines and treatment options). So it does seem like the government probably doesn't want to do that because they fear the significant economic hit. On the positive side from their point of view, it's probably a great time to hide the negative effects of brexit.)
 
It’s a bit precious asking the government to consult Diabetes UK. There are many other conditions with special interest, such as blood cancers, asthma, heart problems, cystic fibrosis, and old age. We aren’t the only ones with chronic health conditions, and some of us have more than one. The government advice applies to all.

I have to say, it’s a bit strange to ban large public gatherings yet still keep schools open.
 
mikeyB said:
I have to say, it’s a bit strange to ban large public gatherings yet still keep schools open.
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They aren't banning them, though, any more than they're telling theatres, restaurants, etc., to close.

As far as I understand it they think that closing schools would slow the spread, but they fear the extra disruption. (Lots of people with essential work also have children of school age.)

It is a bit odd that they're not actually banning public events, etc. I can only imagine they've got information that the insurance industry would then be vulnerable (with an official ban there'd be lots of claims).
 
I agree, Bruce. Most of the government decisions are driven by finance, not epidemiological advice. You are absolutely right - the reason why the advice is not compulsory in this country is to protect the insurance companies from a huge hit. and the government does not have to reimburse the losers, though they say they will "help". If they do, it could cost 20% of GDP..
 
I read on the internet just now that people with diabetes wil have to stay at home for 12 weeks as of this weekend.

Is this for types 1 and 2 or just 1?
I have type 2 diabetes controlled through metformin and diet. There is no way I can afford to stay at home for 12 weeks.
Any advice or comments would be welcome.
 
Ty Capel said:
I read on the internet just now that people with diabetes wil have to stay at home for 12 weeks as of this weekend.
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As far as I understand it everybody is being asked to practice social distancing (work from home where practical, don't go to pubs, etc.), and that's especially important for anybody over 70 or with some underlying condition (so us).

As far as I can tell those of us with just diabetes are being asked to do the same as everybody (avoid people as much as possible). The 12 week thing is for some smaller group (between 1 and 2 million) who'll be told. (I'm not sure that the precise set has been given, but presumably it'll include people with suppressed immune systems, people with severe respiratory conditions, people who're both over 70 and with one or more of these underlying conditions.)
 
I am watching his latest conference now, God he has just mentioned Boris.
 
I am confused with all the information out there. along with diabetes i also have high blood pressure which is another underlying condition. On top of that i am a support worker for vulnerable adults.

It needs to be clarified what we need to do.
 
If you are in the highest risk group you will hearing in the next week by post. I heard the figure of 1and a half million mentioned by the Housing Minister who was doing the rounds on telly this morning.
 
Ty Capel said:
I read on the internet just now that people with diabetes wil have to stay at home for 12 weeks as of this weekend.
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"Be wary of anything you read on the internet" -- Abraham Lincoln. :D
 
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