“Can people with diabetes have the jab?”
Dan Howarth, head of care at Diabetes UK, explains why it’s so important to say yes to the vaccine
Q AIs it potentially risky to have the vaccine if I live with diabetes?
The short answer is no. None of the studies on the vaccine have shown it has an adverse effect on people with diabetes and when you consider that people with diabetes have a high risk of severe complications if they get Covid-19, we highly recommend everyone be vaccinated. We have to do what we can to protect ourselves. As with any vaccine it causes an inflammatory response in the body with a corresponding release of sugar by the liver. It’s perfectly natural and happens to everyone, but for people with diabetes it’s wise to be aware of this and pay extra attention to your blood sugar. We usually recommend people follow their sick day protocol which usually means extra blood sugar testing, drinking lots of water, and if necessary taking extra insulin.
QWill the Covid-19 vaccine affect my medication, treatment plan or how I manage my diabetes?
A
It shouldn’t. The majority of people won’t have to increase their medication, but it might be worth reviewing your sick day rules with your nurse or GP if you
Has the vaccine been specifically tested on people with diabetes?
AQ The vaccines have been tested on all different ages, genders and ethnicities, and the trials included people with diabetes. Since the beginning of the roll-out thousands of diabetics have had the vaccine, so we know they are safe, both from the studies and in practice.
Q AShould I be prioritised if I live with diabetes?
As people with diabetes are at higher risk of complications with Covid-19 infection, all over-16s with the condition are in the group 6 cohort, meaning they should be offered their first injection by the end of April. The NHS assessment tool has already prioritised people with diabetes whose risk is more severe.
Call the Diabetes UK helpline on 0345 1232399 or visit diabetes.org.uk