Highland MSP raises diabetic coronavirus research with First Minister
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Yesterday at First Minister’s Questions (Thursday) Scottish Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands and Scottish Diabetes Champion David Stewart highlighted to Nicola Sturgeon that people with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of dying from Covid-19, with one in three of all coronavirus hospital deaths associated with the condition.
In his question to the First Minister he asked if she would join him in welcoming the United Kingdom ARCADIA trial, in which pre-clinical research has suggested that the glucose kinase activator could aid those with diabetes who contract Covid-19.
In response the First Minister said: “The member is right to raise concerns around people with diabetes and the specific risk factor that appears to be presented, as well as highlighting the good work that is being done to tackle that.”
Commenting afterwards Mr Stewart said: “Diabetes patients face a more-than-double risk of death if they catch Covid-19 and that I why the U.K. based ARCADIA trial, in which pre-clinical research has suggested that the glucokinase activator could aid those with diabetes who contract the virus is so important.
“I welcomed the First Minister’s acknowledgment that we should be doing everything we can do reduce the risk of serious illness or death for people with diabetes who contract Covid-19.
“ If you have diabetes – regardless of what type you have – you are no more likely to catch coronavirus than anyone else.
"And the majority of people who do get coronavirus – whether they have diabetes or not – will have mild symptoms and don’t need to go into hospital.
“However, everyone with diabetes, including those with type 1, type 2, gestational and other types, is vulnerable to developing a severe illness if they do get coronavirus, but the way it affects you can vary from person to person.
"So further research and trials to reduce the risk of covid-19 to diabetics in the Highlands and Islands, Scotland and across the U.K. is welcome.”
