Also called hyperglycemia, high blood sugar is a concern for patients who have or who are at risk for diabetes. Frequent or ongoing high blood sugar can have negative consequences such as damage to the nerves, blood vessels, and organs. Routine blood sugar testing is necessary for diabetes care and management. Testing your blood sugar or blood glucose helps manage the disease and prevent complications. 

Patients with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, are also at a higher risk of developing severe issues from COVID-19. These patients must pay close attention to their blood glucose levels and their overall health to lessen the risks associated with the coronavirus. Patients who have diabetes and contract COVID have a 7.3% higher mortality rate compared to the general mortality rate of 2.3%.

If you are at risk of developing diabetes or another chronic condition, routine testing is helpful in managing the disease and your possible COVID outcomes. At Rapid Care, we provide blood sugar testing in Memphis and Germantown to help patients determine their risk level.

COVID-19 is still present. As new variants arise and the rate of infection increases, it is important for patients with chronic and/or pre-existing conditions to be aware of their risks. Proper diagnosis and management of diabetes and cardiovascular disease can help mitigate the severe risks associated with COVID. The blood sugar test helps monitor your blood glucose levels to know if you are at risk of diabetes or properly managing your condition.

Patients who may be at risk for developing diabetes can be tested periodically to monitor fluctuations in their blood glucose. Knowing if you are at risk for diabetes is also part of COVID management because diabetic patients have more risks and complications from the coronavirus.

The following are risk factors for developing diabetes:

• Family history of type 2 diabetes
• Overweight
• High blood pressure or cholesterol
• History of gestational diabetes
• African American, Asian American, Native American, or Hispanic
• History of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

If you have one or more of the risk factors above, blood sugar testing may be recommended. Book your blood sugar test with Rapid Care today!