Why COVID-19 is killing U.S. diabetes patients at alarming rates

Aug 03, 20200

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FILE PHOTO: Devon Brumfield holds a photo of her father Darrell Cager Sr., who died on March 31 from complications of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in this undated handout image. Devon Brumfield/Handout via REUTERS

(Reuters) - Devon Brumfield could hear her father gasping for breath on the phone.

Darrell Cager Sr., 64, had diabetes. So his youngest daughter urged him to seek care. The next day, he collapsed and died in his New Orleans home.

The daughter soon learned the cause: acute respiratory distress from COVID-19. His death certificate noted diabetes as an underlying condition. Brumfield, who lives in Texas and also has type 2 diabetes, is "terrified" she could be next.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-diabetes-insight/why-covid-19-is-killing-us-diabetes-patients-at-alarming-rates-idUSKCN24P1B4