8 Faqs on Covid-19 Vaccine Answered for People With Diabetes | Top Endocrinologist’s Opinion
When the COVID-19 vaccination drive started by the end of January 2021 in India (phase – I), the health ministry urged people above 60 and those above 45 with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer, AIDS and other disabilities to take the jab, after vaccinating around three crores of frontline warriors – healthcare staffs. The reason: The immunity levels of people with comorbidities are compromised and a COVID-19 infection can turn out to be deadly for them.
However, in the phase – II of the vaccination drive, people above the age of 45 are advised to take the jab, irrespective of any comorbidities involved.
Yet, many of us are sceptical regarding the same, especially people with the comorbidities. They fear that taking the jab can affect their condition or have consequences. Well, that’s not true.
If you are living with diabetes or have anyone from the family with the condition book a slot for your vaccination, NOW.
To get answers to all your questions about the vaccine, we spoke to an expert in the field of diabetes — Dr Tejal Lathia, Consultant Endocrinologist at Apollo Hospitals, Cloud Nine and Fortis Hospital.
Here is all that you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine and diabetes care management
Question 1: Why is it important for people with diabetes and other comorbidities to take the Covid-19 vaccine?
Dr Tejal Lathia: The benefit of the vaccination is that it reduces the risk of mortality and the severity of the COVID-19 infection, considerably. That is precisely the concerned area for people living with diabetes. They are at an increased risk of all kinds of infection. A COVID-19 infection can have severe consequences – worsened health outcomes and increased risk of fatality and mortality.
Now, understand that a vaccination is not a 100 percent -protection against the virus, but still it is necessary. By administering the vaccine, we can ensure that these people who fall in the vulnerable category remain safe from the severe effects of COVID-19.
Question 2: Most people fear the side-effects of the vaccine. Does it flare up more in people with diabetes or other comorbidities?
Dr Tejal Lathia: There has been no data to suggest if the side-effects flare up more in people with diabetes or even in other comorbidities. So, it is wise to get the vaccine leaving these fears aside.
Question 3: Between the first and the second dose of the vaccine – what are the dos and don’ts one should follow, especially for someone living with diabetes?
Dr Tejal Lathia: The same precautions should be followed by everyone irrespective of whether you are living with diabetes or not. Between dose one and dose two, one should always:
- Wear a mask covering your nose and mouth at all times when you step out of home.
- Never remove the mask to talk on the mobile phone or when close to someone in public places.
- Use standard hand hygiene precautions – wash your hands with soap & water regularly or sanitise them often.
- Maintain social distancing.
These basic precautions should become a way of life for all.
Question 4: How to treat the side-effects of the vaccine – soreness, fever that can happen after taking the shot?
Dr Tejal Lathia: The vaccine’s side effects are short-lived and don’t need much care and attention. The soreness after the vaccine is mild and doesn’t require any treatment. But if the soreness is severe, a dose of paracetamol can help to address it. In case of fever, which might last for 24 to 48 hours, again, paracetamol should be enough to treat it. If there is any muscle aches or pain, it will get better after rest and within a day or two. Remember to stay hydrated after the vaccine shot (drink adequate amounts of water and other fluids), which is enough to deal with the side-effects.
Question 5: Will it take more time for the antibodies to develop in people living with diabetes?
Dr Tejal Lathia: In people living with diabetes, who have their sugar levels well in control, without any complications like kidney damage or heart diseases, there shouldn’t be any difference in mounting the antibody response as compared to people who don’t have diabetes.
However, in people with severe diabetes (uncontrolled sugar levels, kidney damage, etc.), there is no data at this moment to suggest if they will have a different response in developing antibodies.
It is still advisable to take the vaccine to be on the safer side.
Question 6: Will the vaccine have any interference with the regular medication for diabetes – oral or insulin shots?
Dr Tejal Lathia: No, the vaccine will not interfere with the diabetes medications, whether it is oral medication or insulin shots, neither will it have any effect on one’s sugar levels. In fact, you do not have to wait for your sugar levels to come under control to take the jab.
Question 7: What about young people with diabetes (less than 45 years of age) – should they wait or take the jab?
Dr Tejal Lathia: Vaccine is not just for personal protection but also to achieve herd immunity. So as and when the government allows, one should take the shot to ensure that we are well protected and prepared to face this pandemic. If you have diabetes, don’t miss it.
Question 8: Any extra precautions people with diabetes need to follow even after vaccination?
Dr Tejal Lathia: They should always wear the mask, even after vaccination. People should understand that vaccination isn’t 100 percent protection. So, one should never lower the guard and stay alert always. These things should be done not just for personal safety but also for the betterment of the nation.
If you still have a concern about – whether or not you should take the vaccine, consult your doctor. But don’t miss the vaccine. To get your blood sugar levels in control and minimise the risk of such infections, get in touch with our experts from Diabefly team.
Our scientifically designed Diabefly program helps people living with diabetes acheive their blood sugar goals. Diabefly is India’s best Diabetes management program that has proven to reduce HbA1c in 85% of customers. It is observed that in the recent past, due to the widespread anxiety and panic of the pandemic sleep disturbance and stress has been on arise among the masses by and large. This makes people vulnerable to infections and viral attacks, especially for people living with diabetes, it becomes a matter of concern. These issues can make one’s blood sugar levles go haywire and hamper immunity. More reasons why you need to keep a tab on blood sugar levels. Diabefly offers personalised care on diet, exercise, sleep, stress and weight management to help people with Diabetes keep a tab on their sugar readings.
For more information visit, www.fitterfly.com/diabefly or call us at +9122 48971077
