PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COVID-19

Diabetes & Covid-19 Risk

  • People with diabetes are at higher risk to COVID-19. The risk is similar for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

  • Factors that increase risks associated with COVID-19 are increasing age, presence of complications and how well managed diabetes is.

  • Close monitoring and management of diabetes and trying to ensure that blood glucose levels are well managed are very likely to be helpful in reducing the risk of the more severe complications from Covid-19.

  • For information on Covid-19 and vulnerable people visit the NZ Covid-19 website

Protect yourself from Covid-19

Our recommendation for everybody with diabetes is to take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19:

  • Get the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinating against COVID-19 reduces the risk of the virus to you, your whānau, and your community.

  • Stick to your usual diabetes routine as much as possible. Continue to keep up with your daily diabetes management, take your medication, keep active, hydrate. Our tips for living well with diabetes can be found here.

  • Follow health advice on washing your hands and coughing & sneezing into your elbow

  • Stay at least 2 metres away from anyone with cold or flu-like illnesses

  • Get a flu vaccine. The flu vaccine does not protect you against COVID-19 but it will help to reduce demand on hospitals this winter and keep you protected from influenza.

    • Flu vaccinations are free for people over 6 months old with diabetes and available from GPs. You may need to contact your local GP to find out when they expect to receive stocks of the vaccine.

    • For those over 13 years old with diabetes, the flu vaccination is available from participating pharmacies.

Be Prepared

  • We recommend all people with diabetes are also prepared for potential sick days

  • Review how you manage sick days with your primary health care or diabetes team.

  • Have ketone test strips available for sick day management if you have type 1 diabetes.

  • Have supplies of regular treatment for hypoglycaemia.

  • Have enough household items and groceries on hand so you are prepared to stay at home for a period of time and can continue to eat regular meals and snacks as required.

  • Have plenty of fluids available in case you become unwell.

If you are sick

  • For information on symptoms of Covid-19 visit the NZ Covid-19 website

  • If you are sick you should call Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453 or call your doctor immediately. Also contact your diabetes care provider for advice on diabetes management.

  • If you are feeling unwell, please do not stop taking your regular medication without first consulting with your diabetes medical team, GP or specialist

  • Balancing your food and insulin levels when you are sick can be quite a challenge. As well as seeking medical advice, we recommend following our guidelines for managing sick days .

  • Starship Child Health, Auckland DHB, hosted a virtual education workshop in March 2020 you can view the adapted presentation from Dr. Philippa Carter here