How To Deal With Comorbidities And Be Prepared To Live With Covid-19

Submitted by PatientsEngage on 8 June 2020

A handy list of resources for living with the coronavirus and managing your chronic conditions. Just look for your condition below. If you don't find what you are looking for, please leave a comment and we will get back to you.

We must live with Covid-19 pandemic for a while. For people with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, rheumatic conditions, pulmonary conditions, it is even more essential to manage these conditions better. For e.g. a person whose blood sugars are under control is better equipped to deal with the coronavirus infection.

As we prepare for the easing of restrictions, we must be aware of the risks of infection associated with it and mitigate these risks by practicing safety guidelines viz. mask hygiene, regular washing and sanitisation of hands, and maintaining safe distance at all times.

We must also recognise that we cannot delay seeking help and treatment of our chronic conditions, and seek out the doctor. The process of these has changed in some places. While some places have started OPDs, most still require that you first connect and consult with the doctor through telemedicine. If the doctor advises you to go for tests or go see the doctor in person, please go ahead and not delay diagnosis and treatment. Do not let your fear of Covid-19 risk overtake your need for timely care.

We have also compiled resources for various conditions. Click on the topics you are interested in to get a detailed understanding of your specific condition. If you have specific questions, you can ask in our discussion forums or contact us at https://www.patientsengage.com/contact

Cancer

1. How to manage cancer treatment during Covid-19 by Dr. Vinay Deshmane, Consultant in Surgical Oncology & Breast Diseases and Medical Director and Jnt. Hon secretary of the Indian Cancer Society. Link to the webinar recording.

2.Also, here is the link to the key notes from the recording of the above webinar

Diabetes

1. How to live well with Diabetes during Covid-19 by Dr. Debashis Basu, Diabetes Awareness and You

2. How to manage diabetes during Covid-19 lockdown by Dr. Piya Balani Thakkar. Summary of her webinar recording

2a. How to manage diabetes during Covid-19 lockdown by Dr. Piya Balani Thakkar. Link to the webinar recording

Dementia

1. Dementia Home Care, the COVID-19 infection risk, and Lockdown/ Unlock challenges

This is a good resource to track the impact of the changes due to lockdowns and re-opening of cities and areas and how it impacts dementia care and even elder care. Useful tips for family caregivers of persons with dementia.

Community

Auto Immune conditions

Caregiver Community

Coping With Covid-19 Pandemic

Diabetes

Kidney, Urinary, Gastro Intestinal, Liver

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Neurological Conditions

Cancer

Condition

Breast Cancer

Cancer

Chronic Kidney Disease

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Tue, 04/13/2021 - 19:04

Stories

Fish Lasagna (6 Portions)

Lasagna made from whole wheat doesn’t spike the post-lunch blood sugar as much as the refined flour varieties. Tuna rich in omega- 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D are ideal for people with diabetes who run a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure and elevated triglycerides. Ingredients: Tuna /White Pomfret (boneless ) - 700 g Onion – 2 Olive oil – 2 tbsp Tomato puree – 1 cup or 250g Sundried tomatoes - 10 g Freshly ground pepper - ¼ tsp Sweet corn - 300g…
Chickpea curry (6 portions)

Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are rich in fibre, iron, phosphorus and the B-complex vitamins. It has been seen that eating chickpeas control blood sugar levels after meals, so it is good for people with diabetes. This recipe also uses poppy seeds, which are a good source of calcium and fibre, low in sodium and have no fat or cholesterol, as well as coconut, which provides certain essential fats missing from other vegetable oils. In this recipe they have been used in…
Paneer paratha (makes 6 portions)

Paneer paratha is a favourite choice for kids’ lunchboxes. It is nutritious and can be modified for the needs of growing children by using whole-fat paneer instead of low-fat and an extra dash of fat (ghee, butter or oil depending on preferences). Ingredients For the dough 200g whole wheat flour 2 tsp white oil Pinch of chilli powder Pinch of salt For the Filling 200g low-fat paneer 100g onion 50g carrot Small bunch of coriander…
Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder in which the body has difficulty regulating its blood glucose or blood sugar level. Blood glucose is the main source of energy for the body and we get it from the food we eat which is broken down into glucose. For glucose to get into the cells, insulin, a pancreatic hormone is required. In patients with diabetes, the pancreas produces less or no insulin or the cells don’t respond to the insulin produced. This leads to the…
Diabetic Retinopathy FAQ

Diabetic retinopathy is an increasing cause of blindness in persons with diabetes. Senior Ophthalmologist Dr Charu Gupta answers your questions, clears misconceptions and separates the facts from the myths. What is diabetic retinopathy? Diabetes can cause changes to the blood vessels of the retina, leading to blindness. This is called diabetic retinopathy. I have good eyesight. I don’t have to worry about diabetic retinopathy. Unfortunately that is not true. Many patients with severe…
Delicious Navratan Khichdi Recipe

A nutritious navratan khichdi that is filling and provides excellent quality protein. It can be adapted to pongal as well. Its tasty and easy to make! Excellent quality protein, loads of vegetables. Great for persons with diabetes too. Ingredients (Serves 6 people) 225g rice 50g soya nuggets (If you skip this for a more traditional option it will reduce the protein content) 55g arhar (toor) dal 55g chana dal 55g moong dal 55g masoor dal 100g potatoes 100g carrot 100g cabbage 50g…
Chicken roast with apple sauce (6 portions)

This preparation is a low-calorie modification of the typical roast. The initial tossing in oil reduces the chicken from drying out while in the oven. The apple sauce without sugar is highly recommended for those who wish to keep their sugar spikes under control after the meal. Ingredients Whole dressed chicken – 1 ½ kg 4 apples 6-8 small onions 6 potatoes 4-5 carrots 20 French beans 1 capsicum 1 tsp ginger juice 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional) 2 tbsp Worcester sauce 1 stick cinnamon 10 to12…
Cheela - Vegetable Omelette Recipe

This is a vegetable omelette with a difference. You can rustle up this omelette at the drop of a hat on a summer’s day when you don’t feel like having an egg. Ingredients (Makes 6 portions) ½ cup (60g) rice flour ¼ cup whole wheat flour 1 tbsp refined flour 2 tbsp besan ½ cup buttermilk or as required 1 onion (large), minced 1 tomato, chopped 3 green chillies, chopped Few curry leaves, chopped Salt to taste ½ tsp mustard seeds Pinch of cooking soda (optional) 1 tbsp oil…
Avocado In Lettuce Boats (6 servings)

Elevated levels of blood sugar in diabetes increase the risk of elevated ‘bad’ cholesterol, triglycerides and other cardiovascular problems. Attempts to reduce these risk factors through medication and diet also reduce the level of ‘good’ cholesterol. Exercise and the presence of moderate amounts of monounsaturated fats in the diet help to increase ‘good’ cholesterol in our body. Avocado, also called “butter fruit” in some parts of India, is rich in monounsaturated fats and anti-oxidant Vitamin…
DOs & DON’Ts OF THE DIABETES DIET

Diabetes management is not a one time fix. It requires sustainable lifestyle changes. Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator explains the dos and don’ts for eating well and keeping your blood sugar under control. Whether you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes or are a longstanding diabetes patient, your heart skips a beat while you’re waiting to see your blood glucose reading. You are keen to do all that it takes to bring down the blood sugar quickly – whether it is by omitting…