Practice Resources

Understanding and Preparing for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As a diabetes care and education specialist, you are the front line of care for individuals affected by diabetes, prediabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions. Coronavirus (COVID-19), like other viruses, can cause serious complications for people with underlying conditions, especially in those with existing cardiovascular disease, COPD, or diabetes, and the elderly. It’s critical that you take the appropriate steps to work with clients to follow proper CDC guidance.

Learn More

Access COVID-19 Vaccine Information Access Telehealth Guidance Related to COVID-19

Featured Tips

Recorded Webinars

Q&A Recorded Webinar: Abbott FreeStyle® Libre for Hospitalized People With Diabetes the During COVID-19 Pandemic

The FDA recently is allowing the use of some CGM devices in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. ADCES has worked with Abbott to answer your questions on the use of their FreeStyle Libre in the hospital setting.

Check back for the latest news impacting your practice and clients.

Insulet announces current customers may receive up to a six-month supply of products (60 Pods) free of charge

CDC launches new COVID-19 travel page

Novo Nordisk offers free 90-day insulin supply to people experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19

Sanofi offering a variety of Covid-19-related options including 30-day supply of medications while applying to its patient assistance program.

Health insurance coverage for coronavirus (COVID-19) from the American Health Insurance Plan

Regence BlueCross BlueShield easing refill restrictions for non-opioid medications in Washington, Utah and Oregon.

CMS issues key protective mask guidance for healthcare workers

Xeris Pharmaceuticals offers $0 copay for Gvoke PFS for eligible commercial people through April 30, 2020. This is coupled with a home delivery option through PillPack by Amazon Phamacy

Mytonomy has posted a variety of Covid-19 patient education videos in English and Spanish

Expand all

What are the symptoms?

General symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The clinical spectrum of the virus ranges from mild disease with non-specific signs and symptoms of acute respiratory illness, to severe pneumonia with respiratory failure and septic shock. There have also been reports of asymptomatic infection. For more information, visit the CDC’s FAQ for healthcare professionals.
Who is at risk?

Who is at risk?

Older adults and those with serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes are at the most risk for complications from COVID-19. Check out this chart from the CDC that breaks down the evidence used to update the list of underlying medical conditions that increase a person’s risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

For specific guidance for older adults and those in long-term care, visit the CDC's information page.
What do I do if I suspect a client has been exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19) or is infected?

What do I do if I suspect a client has been exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19) or is infected?

If you encounter a client who is showing signs of coronavirus COVID-19 or has reported being in close contact with someone who has, always follow guidance from your employer. The CDC recommends individuals should receive interventions they would normally receive as a standard of care. Those who are suspected or confirmed to have the virus should be asked to wear a surgical mask as soon as they are identified and be evaluated in a private room with the door closed. For additional workplace guidance, visit the CDC's Workplace, School and Home Guidance and Framework for Mitigation.
How should my clients prepare for COVID-19?
The CDC recommends the following for individuals at risk of serious illness from COVID-19, including those with diabetes:
- Stock up on supplies.
- Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
- When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible.
- Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
- During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

Additional Resources

Access CDC guidance and resources for community health workers, community health representatives and promotores de la salud.

Are you an ADCES member? Connect with peers in ADCES Connect.

Do you have questions about COVID-19 and telehealth, billing or how your practice can adapt? Join the ADCES Connect Diabetes Technology Community of Interest (COI), Office & Clinic Based COI and Public Health COI to connect with peers on these and other pressing topics.

From the ADCES Podcast The Huddle: Conversations with the Diabetes Care Team

Episode Summary

COVID-19 continues to have a major impact on care in and out of the hospital. In this episode, Jane Seley and Amisha Wallia discuss their recent research on inpatient and outpatient management of COVID-19, and their experience in collecting and understanding best practices for a systems-based approach to care. They also discuss vaccine hesitancy and how you can address concerns in your community.

Episode Notes

Resources

To access the paper discussed in today’s episode Caring for Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperglycemia, and COVID-19: Bridging the Remaining Knowledge Gaps visit https://rdcu.be/cbnLl

For additional guidance and resources on COVID-19 and diabetes care, visit DiabetesEducator.org/COVID-19.

For vaccine information, visit DiabetesEducator.org/COVID-19vaccine.

Additional study: How to Best Protect People With Diabetes From the Impact of SARS-CoV-2: Report of the International COVID-19 and Diabetes Summit: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1932296820978399

Handouts For Your Clients

Sick Day Management for Adults / En Español

Sick Day Management for Children / En Español

DKA / En Español

Headers_COVID-19 Graphics_Your Self-Care

For People with Diabetes, Prediabetes & Cardiometabolic Conditions

The coronavirus pandemic can be stressful, especially for those at higher risk of complications. The CDC recommends the following activities for healthy coping:

Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs. The ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors offer an organized way to manage diabetes. Check out these handouts your clients can use to understand and work through each behavior.
Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Online peer support communities offer an outlet available 24/7. For more information, visit DiabetesEducator.org/PeerSupport.
For additional guidance from the CDC on healthy coping and managing stress, checkout their resources.

Stress

Stress and Diabetes

Download

Also available in Spanish/Español

Depression

Depression and Diabetes

Download

Also available in Spanish/Español

Distress

Distress and Diabetes

Download

Also available in Spanish/Español

For Healthcare Professionals

Download and print this handout

Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists

Practice Resources

Understanding and Preparing for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Featured Tips

Recorded Webinars

Q&A Recorded Webinar: Abbott FreeStyle® Libre for Hospitalized People With Diabetes the During COVID-19 Pandemic

What are the symptoms?

Who is at risk?

What do I do if I suspect a client has been exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19) or is infected?

How should my clients prepare for COVID-19?

Additional Resources

Are you an ADCES member? Connect with peers in ADCES Connect.

From the ADCES Podcast The Huddle: Conversations with the Diabetes Care Team

Episode Summary

Episode Notes

Perspectives in Diabetes Care

Caring for Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes, Hyperglycemia and COVID-19: Bridging the Remaining Knowledge Gaps

Emergency Preparedness During the Coronavirus Spread

The Latest Guidance for Your Diabetes Prevention Program

The 10 Most Common COVID-19 Questions From the Diabetes Community

Tips for People with Diabetes During the Stay-at-Home Orders

5 Tips to Improve Medication Access for People With Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Handouts For Your Clients

Sick Day Management for Adults / En Español

Sick Day Management for Children / En Español

DKA / En Español

For People with Diabetes, Prediabetes & Cardiometabolic Conditions

Stress

Depression

Distress

For Healthcare Professionals

In This Section

Practice

Quick Links

Join ADCES

Advocacy

About ADCES

Connect with ADCES