There is no scientific evidence to suggest that changing your diet or implementing lifestyle interventions would reduce your risk of contracting Covid-19 if you are a diabetic. This is the sentiment shared by the Head of Division of Endocrinology at Groote Schuur Hospital, Professor Joel Dave.

His comments come as people with diabetes are being urged to seek health care should they suspect that they have contracted Covid-19. Joel says generally, diabetics have an increased risk of contracting any infectious disease due to their weakened immune system and are at greater risk of contracting severe Covid-19.

The Western Cape Health Department says the severity of diabetic patients with Covid-19 has tripled.