What to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine If You Have Diabetes

Over 34 million Americans, about 1 in 10 U.S. adults, are currently living with type 2 diabetes, with many more unaware that they have the condition. People with diabetes are more likely to get severely ill and have serious complications from COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to lower your risk of serious medical complications, especially if you have diabetes. Getting vaccinated is central to lowering your risk of severe complications that can lead to hospitalization or death.

This article will look at what the science says about COVID-19 and diabetes, the importance of getting vaccinated, and any potential side effects of the vaccines.

The Research on COVID-19 and Diabetes

People living with diabetes have more severe symptoms, a worse overall prognosis, and a higher death rate when they have COVID-19. This is in part due to higher rates of pneumonia, hospitalization, and the possibility of having an exaggerated immune response, called a cytokine storm, in the presence of the virus.

In addition, research shows that diabetes is a major risk factor and contributor to the severity and mortality of people with COVID-19. There are multiple reasons why including comorbidities (coexisting conditions) associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), immune dysfunction, possible obesity, and hypertension (high blood pressure).

People with diabetes are also two to three times more likely to be hospitalized in intensive care units for COVID-19 compared to non-diabetic patients and three to four times more likely to progress to critical or fatal disease, underscoring the importance of getting vaccinated.

COVID-19 Symptoms

If you are infected with the COVID-19 virus, you may develop a wide range of acute symptoms, typically two to 14 days after exposure, including:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Loss of smell or taste
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
  

Things to Know

1) People with diabetes should get the vaccine

Full vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself from COVID-19. Everyone 6 months and older are eligible for vaccination.

Updated vaccines that provide protection against newer variants are available from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax. The CDC recommends one updated dose for all people 6 months and older to stay up-to-date, no matter the type of vaccine series initially received. For children five and under, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are given as a three- and two-dose series, respectively.

For some people who are immunocompromised, an additional updated dose of any COVID-19 vaccine is recommended.

2) Vaccination alone does not eliminate your COVID risk

Vaccination alone does not eliminate your risk of catching or getting sick from COVID-19, but it does reduce your risk of severe illness or medical complications. Wearing a mask in groups and diligently managing your diabetes with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes are additional measures you can take to stay protected.

3) There are three COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available in the United States

There are many vaccine candidates available around the world, but in the United States, the three that have gained FDA approval or authorization are:

• Pfizer-BioNTech, available to people 6 months and older
• Moderna, available to people 6 months and older
• Novavax, available to people 12 years and older

The Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine was previously authorized, but it is no longer available after the remaining supply of the vaccine expired in May 2023.

4) COVID vaccines are free

COVID vaccines are free for everyone in the United States, whether you have diabetes or not. 

Vaccine Side Effects

The COVID-19 vaccine has been proven safe and effective with only mild acute side effects, but approximately 50% to 90% of participants experience some adverse effects.

Injection site events include pain, redness, and swelling, whereas systemic effects include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain, and nausea. Symptoms usually resolve within 48 hours. 

Serious adverse events are extremely rare. The most common severe side effects of the mRNA vaccines are myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart). Both may cause symptoms of chest pain, racing heartbeat, and shortness of breath.  

Summary

People living with diabetes are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 infection, including complications such as pneumonia and hospitalization and death. If you have diabetes, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 can reduce your risk of severe illness and death.

A Word From Verywell

Research does not conclude that people with diabetes are more likely to get COVID-19, but studies do point to a higher likelihood in severe illness and medical complications in unvaccinated people with diabetes, underscoring the importance of immunization in this high risk group.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.