Highlands and Islands MSP welcomes clinical trial as he highlights the risk of Covid-19 to people with diabetes

And the Scottish Labour MSP has welcomed the UK Arcadia trial, in which pre-clinical research has suggested that the glucose kinase activator could aid those with diabetes who contract the virus.

Mr Stewart, who is a Scottish Diabetes Champion, spoke about the trial during First Minister’s Questions in the Scottish Parliament last week, and received the support of Nicola Sturgeon who said: “The member is right to raise concerns around people with diabetes and the specific risk factor that appears to be presented, as well as highlighting the good work that is being done to tackle that.”

Commenting after First Minister’s Questions, Mr Stewart said: “Diabetes patients face a more-than-double risk of death if they catch Covid-19 and that I why the UK-based Arcadia trial is so important.

“I welcomed the First Minister’s acknowledgment that we should be doing everything we can do reduce the risk of serious illness or death for people with diabetes who contract Covid-19.

“If you have diabetes, regardless of what type you have, you are no more likely to catch coronavirus than anyone else.

“And the majority of people who do get coronavirus, whether they have diabetes or not, will have mild symptoms and won’t need to go into hospital.

“However everyone with diabetes, including those with type 1, type 2, gestational and other types, is vulnerable to developing a severe illness if they do get coronavirus, but the way it affects you can vary from person to person.

“So further research and trials to reduce the risk of covid-19 to diabetics in the Highlands and Islands, Scotland and across the UK is welcome.”