Diabetes and COVID Vaccine Safety

Individuals with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) are at a far higher risk of developing severe complications of COVID-19, making it supremely important that they are completely vaccinated against the disease as quickly as possible. You may have several questions arising in your mind about these new vaccines. According to experts, vaccines are completely safe, effective, and vital for individuals with diabetes.

What Are The COVID-19 Vaccine Options?

As of June 2021, three COVID-19 vaccines are available in India:

Covishield: The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is being locally manufactured by SII (Serum Institute of India), which is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. 

Covaxin: It is an indigenous vaccine that is manufactured by Bharat Biotech, which has been in the field of manufacturing vaccines for 24 years. 

Sputnik V: The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is marketing the Sputnik V vaccine. Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, which is a pharmaceutical major based in Hyderabad, will be importing the first batch of as many as 125 million doses to India.

Several other new COVID-19 vaccines are being tested throughout the world, and research is being conducted with regards to optimal dosing in those with autoimmune diseases such as diabetes.

Are The Vaccines Safe For Diabetics?

A section of people is worried about the quick development and rollout of vaccines. However, this can be attributed to scientists, industry, and governments all over the world focusing their attention on this one shared agenda and goal.

All vaccine trials have included the typical number of participants, and no stages with regards to development or testing have been skipped. The combined worldwide effort to develop a vaccine has successfully allowed funding and other approval processes to be put on the fast-track. What’s more, manufacturing has become early. This, along with usage of existing technologies in the field of vaccine development, is the reason for the quicker-than-usual development of vaccines to combat COVID-19.

In addition, it is important to know that all vaccines have been tested in both men and women belonging to different age groups and ethnicities as well those with diverse health conditions, including diabetes.

Previous research tells us that the immune response to combat coronavirus in individuals with diabetes is no different to individuals who do not have diabetes. Therefore, there is no evidence to suggest the vaccine efficacy will be lower in individuals with diabetes.

Side Effects Of The Vaccines

Not everyone getting the jab will demonstrate side effects. If you do experience any, they are generally going to be extremely mild. These side effects will typically last for around 48 hours. The common side effects include:

Soreness in the arm that received the jab

A feeling of tiredness and fatigue

Headaches

A general feeling of sickness

If you feel too unwell, you may contact your doctor for further advice.

Vaccines And Blood Sugar Levels

Taking the vaccine may cause a spike in blood sugar levels. After receiving the vaccine, your body will begin to start producing an immune response. This should not be a cause for worry. Your body is just developing a reaction to the vaccine as the vaccine is new to you. Your body requires energy to develop this immune response; hence, it may release extra glucose in the blood. This is what causes an elevation of blood sugar levels.

Why Should You Take The Vaccine?

The vaccine can protect you, your near and dear ones, and your community at large. It will surely help the immune system of your body in fighting off a COVID-19 infection. This eventually means that if you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), your body can effectively protect you and drastically reduce your chances of falling sick or experiencing serious complications. 

Vaccines are, by far, the most effective tool in protecting your health and preventing disease. Other healthy habits, such as wearing a mask and maintaining physical distancing, will also help in stopping the spread of the virus.

The Last Word

To put an end to the global spread of COVID-19, a majority of individuals around the whole world will have to develop immunity against the virus. The COVID-19 vaccines (similar to vaccines that protect humans from measles, smallpox, influenza, and other illnesses) will play a decisive role in the improvement of health and wellbeing of people across the world.

Reference Links:

1. https://www.diabetesresearch.org/covid-19-vaccines-what-people-with-diabetes-need-to-know
2. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus-vaccines
3. https://diatribe.org/what-to-know-covid-vaccine-diabetes
4. https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/things-people-with-diabetes-must-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccines/
5. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55748124