Interesting Facts About Diabetes In India And Around The World
July 5, 2021
Diabetes: Myths V/S Facts
July 5, 2021
For the vast majority of people infected with COVID-19, the infection is usually mild and does not require hospitalization. However, individuals who suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer are at a considerably higher risk of developing a severe infection that can result in complications like pneumonia and may even be fatal. This makes vaccination important and the best safeguard for individuals who fall into this high-risk group. To weigh the risks and benefits and vaccination, it helps to understand the risks of infections first.
Diabetes And COVID-19 Infection Outcomes
There is evidence to show that infection poses a risk of mortality that is three times higher in diabetes patients as compared to the general population. This increased risk of complications and death is due to a variety of factors. The most obvious of these is the impact of diabetes on immune function, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Diabetes also causes the body to be a constant state of low-grade inflammation, making recovery and healing much slower.
Additionally, the International Diabetes Federation has noted that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may thrive in a condition of high blood sugar, posing a threat to diabetes patients, especially if blood sugar levels are not managed effectively.
Diabetes And COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccination is known to be the best way to prevent infection, making it a high priority for patients who fall into the high-risk group, including diabetes patients. In fact, the Government of India and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) advisory recommends prioritization of vaccination for individuals who suffer from diabetes, among other comorbid conditions such as heart disease and kidney disease.
All the same, individuals who suffer from diabetes or care for diabetes patients may have valid concerns about the safety of COVID-19 vaccination and these concerns are understandable. However, there’s more information on COVID-19 vaccination safety for diabetes patients below.
Diabetes And COVID-19 Vaccination Safety
Many individuals, including diabetes patients and caregivers, have expressed concerns about the risk of vaccination itself causing COVID infection. This is simply not possible as both Covaxin and Covishield vaccines are non-replicating vaccines that do not contain a live virus. This is also the case with vaccines like Sputnik V that have been provided by Russia. All approved COVID-19 vaccines are inactivated or subunit and nucleic acid vaccines or mRNA vaccines.
The side effects of vaccination are also mild and indicate responsiveness of the immune system to vaccination. Common side effects include muscular pain where the injection is administered, fatigue or lethargy, mild fever, and headaches. These side effects are temporary and will only last for a day or two, making the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risk of infection. If you suffer from other health conditions and are on medications, you should also discuss vaccination with your doctor. From evidence so far, vaccination only poses a risk to individuals with a history of severe allergies, notably to vaccines.
COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy Rates
While it is true that no vaccine offers 100% efficacy rates, both vaccines available in India have an efficacy of around 70%, which is considered effective. mRNA vaccines like Moderna and Pfizer that will eventually be available have even higher efficacy rates of as much as 95%. However, the point to note here is that although vaccines do not provide 100% protection against infection, they can lower the risk significantly and will prevent severe COVID infection. This makes them your best bet at not only lowering the risk of getting infected but also at preventing severe COVID-19 infection that requires hospitalization or poses a risk of death.
If you still have concerns about vaccination safety or the risk of side effects, speak to your health care provider as soon as possible.
