Hello!
I am a type 1 nurse and was looking for anyone who is type 1 and has experience working in healthcare with risk of exposure to Covid. I’m still trying to get in contact with my doctor for advice but thought I’d reach out here too. I’m about to head back to work and not sure if this is a time I should use my diabetes card or if I’m over anxious. I’ve been reading up online but have found no solid conclusions. I don’t want to be a coward but I don’t want to be unwise either. Thanks for any information!
Hi @Ambryan. I’m not in health care (which trust me is for the best considering my grades in science) but I thought I would truly since you haven’t gotten any responses yet. The forum is for people with diabetes, and while some may be in health care I can’t recall any indicating they worked in the field with the exception of some involved in research. So…
The line between “playing the card” and asserting your rights can be a fine one, but I don’t think you’re crossing it if you have legitimate health concerns. They say (“they say”) if you’re in good control your risk is no greater of contracting it than anyone else’s. But people outside of health care probably are not exposed to the extent hospital and other hc workers are.
There’s a rush of exposure wherever you go, but I would imagine there’s a continuum in the hairy care environment of places you are most to least likely to come in contact. Again I imagine hospitals a nursing homes would be at the top, and labs and private offices somewhere else on the spectrum. You may have access to some reference material asking those lines and I wonder if it would be an option for you to work in a relatively less risky environment.
A apologize if I’ve offended any medical professionals by making assumptions with my logic. Everyone is at risk, health care workers especially so. I am happy to stand corrected if I have mis-placed anybody.
Wishing you the best in your decision @Ambryan, and I am grateful for the work you do.
Hi Annie @Ambryan. First, thank you for your dedication as a nurse caring for those in need, such as me.
A person with effectively managed TypeOneDiabetes should not be more subject to viral infection than a non-diabetic with a healthy lifestyle. Nursing, like other services profession may subject you to “disease carriers”, so precautions must be in place. I spent some time last week with a T1D nurse who works ER, and has worked continuously through this pandemic, and has not been infected. She manages her diabetes effectively and is not overweight-a major factor in avoiding viral infection.
Hi Annie: Age 69. 64 yrs T1. I have been hospitalized 3x in last 6 years for falling down stairs & 2x for flu strain not covered by vaccine. I am & was on a pump. I was worried each time about bg management. Since I was on a pump I was allowed to continue managing my bg. My pump was not taken away. Out of many factors to consider would your bg be adequately controlled if you were hospitalized with COVID-19? I am not confident that would be true at every hospital.
Thank you all for your thoughtful responses. I appreciate your input!
Hi Ambryan,
I am a T1 RN, retired. I worked Med-surg floor for 10 years. If you use the proper PPE’s, good hygiene, don’t touch your face while working, etc. you should be fine. Although I have not worked around Covid-19 pts, I have dealt with many other things that are very contagious. Keeping your diabetes under control is huge. So much easier now with the CGM’s, pumps, etc. You will be fine.
Mary
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