Black And White Fungus Infection: Diabetics At Risk; Sugar Control Is Important After COVID-19 Recovery

Black Fungus And White Fungus: What Do We Know So Far?

As reports had previously suggested, the black fungus infection is rare but not a new one. Mucormycosis, previously called zygomycosis, is a severe but rare fungal infection caused by a group of moulds called mucormycetes.

Scientifically termed as Mucormycosis, the black fungus infection symptoms are face numbness, one-side nose obstructions or swelling of eyes, or pain. Mortality has been reported in the range of 50 per cent (five patients), and 50 per cent of the patients have lost their eyesight permanently and required critical care support due to associated complications [1][2].

COVID-19 And Mucormycosis (Black Fungus): ICMR Releases Guidelines; Do's And Don'ts

Like the black fungus, the white fungus is also more likely to affect people with compromised immune systems, pre-existing medical conditions, AIDS, a recent kidney transplant or diabetes [3].

It was observed that all four patients who had white fungus infection showed COVID-like symptoms but were found to be negative. The white fungus can affect the lungs and other parts of the body, including nails, skin, stomach, kidney, brain, private parts, and mouth [4].

White Fungus Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Black Fungus Vs White Fungus

COVID-19 patients are more prone to black and white fungus infection as it affects the lungs, and therefore similar symptoms develop [5]. Moreover, the white fungus infection could affect the vital functioning of the body in comparison to the black fungus, which affects only the sinus and lungs.

Several health experts and doctors have stated that, unlike the black fungus, the white fungus infection spreads more rapidly to the vital organs, including the lungs, kidneys, intestines, stomach, genitals, and other body parts as the nails, and causes widespread infection [6].

Other reports also showed that the CT scans showed severe lung damage, which is not due to COVID but due to the white fungus.

People With Diabetes At Risk; Sugar Control Is Key For Fungal Infection Prevention

According to recent findings, people either develop this infection while recovering from COVID-19 infection or during COVID treatment. The commonality found among all these cases where that they are all diabetics [7].

The doctors said, "you can protect yourself from getting this infection by keeping your sugars tightly controlled during Covid infection, checking sugars more frequently, using mask consistently, and maintaining personal hygiene." They added, "steroids for Covid treatment should be used judiciously and strictly under doctor's supervision" [8].

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A COVID-19 recovered patient with diabetes cannot visit hospitals due to the home quarantine rules. Doctors have suggested some home tips to keep a check on sugar.

Tips to keep sugar in control to prevent black/white fungus infections for individuals with diabetes:

• Do low-impact exercises such as walking and lifting light weights. This can help with weight management, which can improve your blood sugar control.
• Improving your immunity is the most important point for post-COVID patients. The fungus can attack if immunity is lowered.
• Regularly check your sugar levels.
• Pay extra attention to your glucose control. Regular monitoring can help avoid complications caused by high or low blood glucose.

Expert Tips To Eat Right And Manage Diabetes

Some extra tips for people with diabetes...

• Wear masks at all times. Prolonged use of masks to be discouraged as any cloth mask kept in a damp place with prolonged use may catch fungus.
• Choose attire that does not expose your skin to the soil when gardening or handling soil or manure.
• If the individual experiences any symptoms like sinusitis, visit an ENT specialist.

Reports developed from unpublished medical studies have stated that diabetic patients who have recently recovered from COVID-19 infection after being treated with steroids especially remain at risk of contracting mucormycosis or black fungus infection [9].

Over 80 per cent of the black fungus infection reported are among diabetic COVID-19 survivors. Others who remain at the risk of contracting the black fungus disease include the organ transplant and cancer patients being given immunosuppressant drugs.

Diabetes And COVID-19

Diabetic individuals, especially ones with poor glycaemic control, have an increased risk of contracting the infection. People with diabetes are considered a high-risk group by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [10].

With the immune system being compromised due to chronic diseases, diabetic individuals become easy preys to the virus. And it is the same case for people with well-managed diabetes as well.

Steps To Reduce COVID-19 Exposure For Diabetics

• Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Sneeze and cough into your sleeve.
• When using tissues, immediately dispose of them into the garbage as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards.
• Regularly clean commonly used surfaces and devices you touch or handle.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are showing symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing.
• Don't share food, glasses, towels, tools etc.
• Avoid travelling.
• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and share your previous travel history with your healthcare provider.
• If you have a scheduled visit with your healthcare provider, contact them via phone or online portal first to see what other options you may have.

COVID-19 And Diabetes: Everything You Need To Know

On A Final Note…

As per preliminary findings, white fungus infections do not show visible symptoms like black fungus infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Should diabetics continue insulin during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Ans: The presence of diabetes and poorly managed glucose levels in people with COVID-19 have led to higher death rates and longer hospital stays. Doctors stress if insulin therapy is prescribed, it should not be stopped.

Q. Do people with diabetes have a higher chance of serious complications from COVID-19?

Ans: People with diabetes are more likely to have serious complications from COVID-19. In general, people with diabetes are more likely to have more severe symptoms and complications when infected with any virus.