Has COVID-19 Made the Vulnerable Groups Even More Vulnerable? Exploring the Conditions of Diabetic Patients of Dhaka City Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

SARS-CoV-2, commonly referred as COVID-19, has emerged as the most severe public health concern of the twenty - first century. Coronavirus usually is not very lethal to the persons who do not have any medical conditions, but it is fatal to people who have had past medical conditions that have often resulted in death. The objectives of this paper is to look at the effects of coronavirus on older diabetes patients, who are thought to be the ones who were affected the most by COVID-19. This research used a qualitative approach and was descriptive in nature. The researcher has purposefully chosen three areas in Dhaka city as the studies fixate: Shahbag, Khilgaon, and Rampura. Data was gathered using qualitative methods such as focus group discussion and key informant interviews. According to the study’s findings, COVID-19 had a serious effect on older adults with diabetes. The number of patients at the hospital had significantly decreased. Despite the fact that hospitals were equipped to provide treatment and care, patients’ mobility was limited. Many people preferred virtual consultation or telemedicine to face-to-face consultation and care. Doctors encouraged individuals to connect digitally, which is both safe and feasible in the face of the global pandemic. The expense of a diabetic patient rose, according to the majority of respondents. According to the findings, the pandemic is spurring new diabetes-care delivery methods. Many structural flaws were exposed as a result of Covid-19, paving the door for additional improvements in healthcare delivery in the study area.