Protective experience of diabetic patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China

Abstract Background Since December 2019, more than 77,665 patients have been diagnosed with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (NCIP) in Wuhan, Hubei Province. According to previously published data, most of the critical and deceased patients are middle-aged and elderly patients with complications related to multiple chronic diseases. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases. On January 29, The Lancet reported that 41 patients were infected by 2019-nCoV, and 8 patients were complicated with diabetes, accounting for 20% 1 . It has been suggested that diabetic patients are likely more susceptible to 2019-nCoV.At present, there is no effective treatment method or vaccine for NCIP. The prognosis of patients mainly depends on their immune system. However, diabetic patients with NCIP have higher requirements for treatment and nursing due to their complicated condition.To summarize the protective experience and provide a basis for hospital and patient care, we reviewed the protective mechanisms and effects in 12 diabetic patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China. Methods During nursing care, strict isolation and protection were emphasized, which included in-hospital isolation and protection, ward disinfection and isolation, ward environment layout, self-protection of medical staff, specimen collection and transportation; disease condition monitoring included blood glucose management, nutrition support, basic nursing, medication care, psychological support and discharge instructions. One patient died of complications due to gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and the other 11 patients were cured and discharged. Discussion Strict isolation, protection and disease monitoring are prerequisites for reducing complications and improving the cure rate of 2019-nCoV.