Principles of Treatment of Patients with Diabetic Polyneuropathy in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Patients with COVID-19 may develop various neurological disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is known that diabetes mellitus (DM) type 1 or 2, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, old age and old age, male gender are risk factors for a severe course and complications of COVID-19. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, and patients with the listed risk factors are recommended to follow a regime of social restriction or self-isolation. Outpatient treatment is most appropriate for this category of patients. Patients with diabetes who have undergone COVID-19 are at risk of developing or progressing diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). It seems relevant to develop the principles of effective treatment of patients with DM and DPN in outpatient settings. Glycemic level correction, diet, weight normalization, therapy of combined cardiovascular diseases, an increase of physical activity, sleep normalization, maintenance of normal psychological state are the main principles of treatment of patients with DM and DPN in COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Pathogenetic therapy of DPN continues to be discussed, in our country the preparations of B vitamins, alpha-lipoic acid are widely used. B-group vitamin preparations can be used in the form of tablets or solutions for intramuscular injections. The effectiveness of B vitamins (B1, B6, B12) in the treatment of a severe course of COVID- 19, prevention of complications of COVID-19, especially in elderly patients and with diabetes is discussed.