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The latest on Covid-19, vaccines, and diabetes Liz Dutton, registered nurse, reviews some of the latest research into Covid-19 and diabetes – as well as the need for those with diabetes of any type to get double vaccinated.
W
e are in a fast-changing situation, but we know now that New Zealanders need to learn to live with the Delta variant of Covid-19, and sooner rather than later. The messages to get vaccinated, in order to protect yourself, your family, and your community are more important than ever. HELP GET OUR VACCINATION RATES UP
Perhaps you know someone who is still hesitant about getting vaccinated? They might be unsure what’s in the vaccine and what getting it means for them. Maybe they’ve heard some misinformation. Or maybe they’re so busy and stretched they don’t have time to get vaccinated right now. Transport may be an issue, too. You can help by sitting with them and talking their concerns through, or directing them to reliable information, such as that from Diabetes New Zealand at www.diabetes.org.nz/covid-19vaccine-diabetes. Perhaps you could offer transport to their vaccination, or to be with them as a support person while they have it. And
remember to make sure they take their hypo kit with them if they have type 1 diabetes, in the very unlikely event that the vaccination results in a hypo. We can all play a part to help get vaccination rates high, to give Covid-19 as little chance as possible. Every bit of supportive encouragement to those who are still unsure about vaccination will help. WHY IT’S VITAL FOR THOSE WITH DIABETES TO GET VACCINATED
While we don’t want to dwell on this, more and more evidence is showing that Covid-19 can be more serious for those with any type of diabetes. This doesn’t just mean the illness itself. We are beginning to hear more about so-called ‘long Covid’ or ‘post-Covid syndrome’ from overseas. One type of long Covid is what we commonly see with other viruses – causing a chronic fatigue syndrome. But there are also other forms that appear to be distinct, where cardio-vascular damage, for example, may feature. Unfortunately, it appears that having diabetes may be a risk
factor for the development of long Covid.1 MANAGING A COVID INFECTION WITH DIABETES
A recent study, relevant to all of us in New Zealand showed the new SGLT-2 inhibitors (Jardiance, Jardiamet) should be stopped if someone gets a Covid diagnosis. The reason for this is the risk of DKA in someone with normal blood glucose levels with this medication.2 DKA – diabetic ketoacidosis – is when your body releases too many ketones into your blood. These are chemicals that your body uses to metabolise fat when it can't get enough energy from carbohydrates. A SMALL SILVER LINING
A UK study found that people with diabetes during lockdown improved their diabetes management, compared to pre-lockdown. The researchers thought that factors could include a change of routine with respect to work, food, exercise, and daytime patterns, as well as a focus on diabetes management because of worries about catching Covid.3
1 doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2021.102235 2 doi.org/10.2337/dc21-0256 3 doi.org/10.1007/s00592-020-01614-5
DIABETES WELLNESS | Summer 2021
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