The Influence of Physical Activity on the Blood Sugar of Diabetic Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic arises at times when the numbers of people with diabetes are increasing too.

Diabetes is a clinical condition characterized by abnormal metabolic glucose and hyperglycemia due to absolute or relative insulin insufficiency, insulin resistance, or both.

The spread of the news about COVID-19 makes it necessary for the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a state of emergency as a response to the spread of the disease. Severe acute respiratory syndrome, also known as SARS-CoV-2, is a virus that causes the disease COVID-19, which mainly begins with an asymptomatic incubation period (approximately 5–6 days, but could continue for 1–14 days).

Diabetes is considered a key risk factor for lethality in a considerable proportion of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and a high percentage of COVID-19 complications result in acute respiratory insufficiency due to diabetes.

Aim: To collect data on how physical activity affects blood sugar levels in people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic by interviewing patients who had diabetes prior to the pandemic.

Methods: For the purposes of the following scientific research, a volunteer, anonymous questionnaire was used in the period January–April 2022. Patients diagnosed with diabetes prior to the pandemic (n = 32) participated in it.

Results: The scientific research proves that 1/3 of the patients suffering from diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic have had difficulties getting enough physical activity throughout the day and, as a result, have gained weight. A high degree of stress and a feeling of inability to cope with this chronic condition were found among the research participants.