Diabetes treatment

Five months after I was tested positive for COVID-19, on Saturday, September 4th, I received the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. To do that, I had to travel to Nis, Serbia, because in Macedonia, the AstraZeneca vaccine is not given to people under the age of 60.

Before receiving the second dose

The process was the same as the first time. First, the doctors asked me few questions:

• “How did you react after receiving the first dose of the vaccine?”
• “Were you positive about KOVID-19? How did it go? “
• “How did the situation affect your diabetes?” “What were your blood sugar levels?”
• “Are you taking any other therapy/pills?”
• “Have you had any breast, uterine surgery?”
• “Are you pregnant?”

Once again, they entered my information into the system. Then another doctor vaccinated me. Finally, I had to sit for 10 minutes and wait if any side effects occur.

Did I have a reaction after the second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine?

Although after receiving the first dose, I had the following symptoms: tenderness, swelling at the injection site, headache, chills and fever (the temperature was 38.6 °C). The blood sugar levels were in the range of 8-12 mmol/L. I was told by the doctors to take paracetamol if the temperature is above 38.0 °C, this time I was very lucky. I only had swelling, redness and pain at the injection site. My blood sugar levels were in the range of normal, between 5-7.8 mmol/L.

When it comes to blood clots, I am aware that they are related to the AstraZeneca vaccine. Fortunately, I didn´t have any.

According to the CDC reports, “coronaviruses” are a large family of viruses common in animal species, and only rarely do they infect and spread among humans. That’s happened here with this officially named COVID-19 virus that started late last year with an outbreak in Wuhan, China, linked to a market selling seafood and live animals. Unfortunately, it’s gone global. The World Health Organization has declared the Coronavirus outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern.  

COVID-19 virus signs

Common signs are typical flu-like symptoms like fever, tiredness, cough, breathing difficulties, and muscle aches. They usually start within 3-7 days of exposure to the virus. However, in some cases, it has taken up to 14 days for symptoms to appear.

Unfortunately, people of all ages can be infected. More than 80% of cases, COVID-19 virus is mild, with minimal flu-like symptoms. Some have not shown symptoms or only very mild symptoms, more like a common cold. Fortunately, most of the people who have caught the virus did not need to be hospitalised for supportive care. However, approximately 15% of cases COVID-19 has been severe and in around 5% of cases, it has led to critical illness. Around 98% of people infected to date have survived.

We know that coronaviruses can cause more severe symptoms and complications in older people, and those with long term conditions such as cancer or chronic lung disease. Also, people with diabetes may be more vulnerable to the severe effects of the virus.

What can people with diabetes do?

If you have diabetes, it is important to take precautions to avoid the virus if possible. To do that:

• Wash hands regularly.
• Try to avoid touching your face before you have washed and dried your hands.
• Clean and disinfect any objects and surfaces that are touched frequently.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
• Try to avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing.
• Don’t share food, glasses, towels, tools etc.
• Avoid unnecessary travel
• Stay at home If you are ill.
• Pay extra attention to your glucose control.
• Make sure you will be able to correct the situation if your blood glucose drops suddenly.
• Make sure you have a good supply of the diabetes medications you need. Think about what you would need if you had to quarantine yourself for a few weeks.
• Prepare in case you get ill.