Business
COVID 19 and diabetes: a lethal partnership? How do we overcome this?
By Dr. Kayathri Periasamy
With the latest wave of COVID-19 infections sweeping steadily across Sri Lanka, attention has been directed towards persons with uncontrolled, pre-existing conditions, particularly diabetes; as a sect most vulnerable to get severely ill or die because of complications caused by the virus. This has shed light on another growing concern among healthcare providers and patients, which is that patients suffering from diabetes or other chronic conditions are finding it increasingly difficult or are unable to access the medical care they require due to mandatory albeit essential curfew measures combined with a deep fear of contracting the virus in communal healthcare settings.
With a staggering 463 million adult diabetic patients present worldwide, World Diabetes Day 2020 – falling on the 14th of November- is a critical time for diabetes support communities and healthcare advocates to rally together to create awareness about this debilitating medical condition and push for progress in the standards of care and the better management of diabetic patients during a pandemic. In Sri Lanka alone, 1 in 10 adults are approximated to suffer from the disease. It is also then vital to look at ways to help stop more people from getting this disease, particularly at a time when ‘lockdown’ lifestyles are more often than not likely to be sedentary, unhealthy and stressful; an ideal background for a diabetes diagnosis.
Why is uncontrolled diabetes such a potent accelerant for COVID-19?
A recent study conducted by Lancet on Diabetes & Endocrinology screened over 61 million medical records in the U.K. to find that 30% of COVID-19 deaths can be attributed to people with diabetes. After accounting for factors such as demography and chronic medical conditions, the risk of succumbing to the virus was shown to be about three times higher for people with Type 1 diabetes and almost twice as high for Type 2, versus those without the disease.
There appears to be two primary reasons driving this predicament. Over a lifetime, poor glucose control inflicts widespread damage in our systems which can lead to strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, eye disease, and limb amputations. The linings of blood vessels throughout the body weaken to an extent where they can’t ferry necessary nutrients adequately. Inflammation is another byproduct of poor diabetes control, which makes the body ill-prepared for the onslaught of the viral disease. Secondly, the rich environment of elevated blood glucose present in diabetic patients, makes them prone to superadded bacterial complications during the viral infection. Many diabetics also tend to have other co-morbidities such as obesity, hypertension, and heart disease, which are all factors that aggravate complications during viral illneses. These problems are seen in any infections in the setting of diabetes and not only with COVID 19. The pandemic has just highlighted the difficulties of having diabetes
What precautions can diabetic patients take?
So during this pandemic, apart from strict adherence to general COVID-19 personal safety protocols such as strict social distancing and sanitization, it is important for patients to regularly monitor their glucose levels to avoid complications caused by fluctuating blood glucose. Proper hydration is essential for good health. It is also crucial to have access to a good supply of the prescribed diabetes medications and healthy food so that patients are able to correct the situation if blood glucose levels fluctuate. Finally, sticking to a comfortable daily routine, maintaining an exercise program even within the confines of your home, reducing excessive work and having a good night’s sleep can go a long way in keeping you strong. In essence, maintaining good blood sugar levels may be their best defense against severe COVID-19.
Disruption to continuity of care for diabetes patients
A rapid assessment survey conducted by WHO among Ministries of Health across many countries, focusing on the service delivery for NCDs during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed deepening concerns that many people living with NCDs are no longer receiving appropriate treatment or access to medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The more severe the transmission phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the more NCD care services were disrupted.
With our country currently in the cluster transmission phase and heading towards the community transmission phase due to the large and distant spread of the first-line contacts, the threat to NCD care and especially routine and emergency care of diabetes patients worries us physicians. As healthcare providers, we too are torn between the dilemma of not wanting to expose our patients to unnecessary hospital visits and the need to ensure that all our patients have continued access to their healthcare team along with a steady supply of medicines and other diabetes care products such as glucometer strips and insulin. Unfortunately, the delay in visiting their healthcare provider when they have symptoms of complications has caused many people to present late to the hospital with heart attacks or infections. A delayed presentation, weakens the patient further.
This disruption to healthcare services is foreseen to be a huge dilemma for patients and healthcare providers alike, especially when it comes to the care of patients with diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. In Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Health, is currently providing a number of telemedicine services and has opened avenues to deliver medicines to houses without diabetic persons having to visit crowded settings
How do we counter this?
At Healthy Life Clinic, we adhere strictly to COVID-19 safety operational health protocols established according to Ministry of Health (MOH), Epidemiology Unit. All incoming patients are screened by our nurses as soon as appointments are made over the phone, to understand the nature of their illness. If there is a worry that they could have contracted COVID-19 or have been in contact with such patients, they are given the opportunity to speak to the doctor first over the phone for a detailed history. Every patient will be consulted and no one is turned away from our care.
In order to help patients overcome barriers such as curfews or even the fear of entering communal healthcare settings, our experienced, highly-regarded team of consultants conducts telehealth consultations via established, trusted telemedicine partners such as oDoc and Mydoctor.lk to maintain continuity of care throughout this pandemic. We have also moved many of our long-standing diabetes care and weight management programs online, which have proven to be effective even in the absence of a physical meeting and examination. Additionally, our social media platforms and website are constantly updated to increase awareness about this condition, along with content that informs people about the proper management and prevention of diabetes – particularly when it is thus connected to COVID-19.
(Dr. Kayathri Periasamy is a consultant physician MBBS (UK), MRCP (UK), Board Certified in Int. Medicine (U.S.A). She is the founder of Healthy Life Clinic, Colombo 07.)
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara voiced confidence yesterday that warming U.S.-Russia relations could catalyse economic opportunities for Sri Lanka, during a forum hosted by the National Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking at the ‘Russia-Sri Lanka Development of Trade, Economic, and Banking Cooperation’ event, Jayasundara, a seasoned official with experience across multiple political administrations highlighted that eased secondary sanctions resulting from improved Moscow-Washington dialogue could unlock favorable trade conditions for Sri Lanka. Her remarks drew visible approval from Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagryan, seated nearby.
“Sri Lanka’s balanced, neutral foreign policy positions us to benefit from any collaborative outcomes of U.S.-Russia talks,” she asserted, underscoring the nation’s potential to leverage evolving geopolitics for trade and investment gains.
Jayasundara didn’t miss the opportunity to urge Sri Lankan trade chambers to collaborate with the Export Development Board (EDB) to diversify exports and maximise foreign exchange earnings.
“Businesses and banks present here should explore to forge stronger B2B linkages for mutual benefit at the breakout sessions,” she added, referencing discussions at the forum that connected SMEs and large firms in agriculture, fintech, pharmaceuticals, industrial manufacturing among other sectors.
The secretary’s optimism aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader strategy to navigate global economic headwinds by capitalising on diplomatic shifts and expanding its export portfolio.
According to the EDB, the total export value from Sri Lanka to Russia was USD 144.25 Mn in 2023 and total imports from Russia to Sri Lanka for the same period were USD 393.55 Mn. Official data for 2024 remains pending.
The Russian delegation that took part in the B2B meetings was headed by Dr. Alexander Rybas, Trade Commissioner of the Russian Federation.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Hemas Hospitals has proudly partnered with the JOE-PETE Big Match 2025 as the official healthcare provider, continuing its strong tradition of supporting community events and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants and spectators.
As one of Sri Lanka’s most anticipated annual school cricket encounters, the JOE-PETE Big Match brings together passionate fans, students, and alumni from St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College. With thousands expected to attend, Hemas Hospitals steps in once again, marking its fifth consecutive year of involvement, to provide expert medical support on-site.
“As a leading private hospital network, we’re proud to be a part of this iconic event. Our partnership reflects our commitment to community health and to being there where it matters most,” said Dr. Pradeep Edward, Director General Manager, Hemas Hospital Thalawathugoda. “We want all attendees to enjoy the event with peace of mind, knowing that their health and safety are in good hands.”
During the match days, Hemas Hospitals will deploy on-site medical teams, ambulances, and a qualified sports medicine medical officer to respond to any health emergencies or injuries. From first aid to injury management, the team is equipped to handle a wide range of situations with the efficiency and professionalism that Hemas is known for.
“Our practice of having highly trained medical staff and emergency support continues,” said Anjana Cramer, Business Development Manager. “Our aim is to be proactive, responsive, and accessible throughout the event.”
In addition to healthcare support, Hemas Hospitals will have a strong brand presence at the event, with Hemas flags, A-boards, a branded ambulance, and the medical team visibly positioned throughout the grounds.
“We want this partnership to not only represent medical readiness but also our larger message of promoting health and unity through sport,” said Duwayne Rozario, Executive – Business Development. “It’s about more than just treatment, it’s about being an active part of the community.”
Weddings on the beach, an aqua platform to be served dinner in the sea; four ocean pavilions, informal camaraderie, more so, come as you are atmosphere for informality and bonhomie un matched in any resort.
What are we talking about? Just a cautious; yet unavoidable blend for a holiday; and an atmosphere of ‘let yourself go’, experience unmatched in a resort hotels.
Where are these ‘happenings’? At the Sun Siyam Pasikudah.
Just so, assuming you’ve been to the Maldives, and factually, it’s a demand driven destination, to the US, so too, we assume, Sun Siyam Pasikudah is a growing destination for holidays in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean surrounding the East coast of this island.
Why surrounding? Simple; just that Sun Siyam Pasikudah perched by the sea, apart from the warm waters bordering the resort; we are also of the positive atmosphere of the shallow sea abutting the picturesque appeal viewed from the sea. Appealing to tourists already enjoying the numerous attractions of this resort facility.
Our observations were French, Germans and other Europeans were already enjoying the facilities of Sun Siyam Pasikudah.
General Manager Arshed Refai was on hand to give us detailed explanation on facilities guests could expect and enjoy and numerous offerings that appeal for long stays. Quite regularly, he said, guests are quite reluctant to depart. Particularly Europeans who we observed enjoying the sun and more so walks along the beach.
Additionally, Ministry of Tourism provided train services as well to encourage tourist traffic to the East to enjoy the growing popularity of this resort and other resorts we observed in the area.
GM Refai further said the dining experience, and varied choice of cuisine catered to each national from West to East; which, he said, was quite in order to cater to choices in food and individual taste desires.
Originally launched in 2014 as Sun Aqua Pasikudah, the property underwent a rebranding in 2020, becoming part of Sun Siyam Resorts Collection and adopting the name of Sun Siyam Pasikudah. ‘Was it popular among local tourists’? He responded positively that its appeal was growing, related to the chain of other destinations in the East. Additionally, its popularity and appeal, particularly to its chalets and Five Star luxury was in reality not an available concept elsewhere.
Chef Dilan Jayasundera, explained varied cuisine and food flavours he was adept in producing to ensure guests were not in need, food vice.
He further said a broad cross section of tastes was catered to.
Asst General Manager Keerthi expanding on additional facilities said 34 rooms were villa style accommodation spread over the land. Four ocean pavilions complemented a formal atmosphere.
GM Refai further said 90 guests at peak accommodation enjoyed international cuisine.Excursions, to the fish market, sea observations in glass bottom boats to observe fauna and flora under water, including the varied amphibian fish population were of great appeal.
Questioned on any Maldivian influence, he said, Sunsiyam was not influenced by the Maldives, but its style was of broad appeal.
The resort’s transformation showcases bold monochromatic interiors balanced with rich golden tones, creating a unique, sophisticated, and chic environment. The resort offers distinct culinary adventures, immersing guests in Sri Lanka’s vibrant flavors and colonial traditions. Noteworthy options include The Cellar, Sri Lanka’s largest wine cellar on the eastern coast, the Tea House with an extensive tea collection for a delightful tasting journey, Slice & Grill, a fast-casual poolside concept with a retro design, and the Beach Shack, a tropical paradise with Caribbean vibes.
By Steve A. Morrell
PM underscores the outstanding universal value of Anuradhapura’s Living Heritage at International Expert Conference in Paris
Deshabandu Tennakoon further remanded until April 10
President appoints committee to submit recommendations to the Government on the new US tariff system
-
Sports5 days agoSri Lanka’s eternal search for the elusive all-rounder
-
News4 days agoBid to include genocide allegation against Sri Lanka in Canada’s school curriculum thwarted
-
News6 days agoGnanasara Thera urged to reveal masterminds behind Easter Sunday terror attacks
-
Sports22 hours agoTo play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Business7 days agoAIA Higher Education Scholarships Programme celebrating 30-year journey
-
News5 days agoComBank crowned Global Finance Best SME Bank in Sri Lanka for 3rd successive year
-
Features5 days agoSanctions by The Unpunished
-
Features5 days agoMore parliamentary giants I was privileged to know