Type 1 Shielding for diabetics

[MrsBRW]

My GP has never once suggested I shield but was also open enough to tell me many diabetics under his care have received letters. This is not a one size fits all approach. I think the research legitimises that

 

[MrsBRW]

Did your GP give you a reason? Do you have any complications or other illnesses, are you on medication other than for your diabetes? What was your last HbA1c and are you well controlled?

Completely agree. My brother & dad are type 1 like me & my son. They both received shielding letters but me & my son didn’t. We live 50 miles away. Looks like the shielding letters come under some sort of postcode lottery.

 

[MrsBRW]

Completely agree. My brother & dad are type 1 like me & my son. They both received shielding letters but me & my son didn’t. We live 50 miles away. Looks like the shielding letters come under some sort of postcode lottery.

I’ve got epilepsy & under active thyroid. Test of the family just type 1. Doc said I’m not classed as high risk

 

[Dianemacfaden]

Strangely I don't mind this lockdown, I am being careful when going out with the dog, shopping etc and can fill my days easily. Still not enough hours in the day for me. I find a lot of my friends are now itching to get out and about and I think I might have a problem convincing them I am quite happy until I feel completely safe. I'm already feeling pressure to 'fit in'

I know how you feel. I am as fit as I can be having had type 1 for nearly 50 years and want to keep it that way so am avoiding people as much as possible

 

[janetlouise]

Type 1s have 3.5 times the risk. I think type 2 is twice the risk. Due to low numbers of other diabetes types in studies they were put together as 'other types of diabetes' and I think also had twice the risk of non diabetics. This is for the stats of dying in hospital at least... (paper released on NHS England website last week).

Lots of type 1s who have contacted their GPs have been given shielding letters. Like has been said I think it will be a 'don't ask don't get' scenario due to taking too many out of the workforce otherwise. I think it will also depend on your job and working conditions. Someone lucky enough to be able choose to continue working from home might not be deemed as high risk as someone who has no choice but to interact with others. The concern will come as people are more complacent with lowdown easing measures. If you're concerned about your workplace then contact your GP. Of course you might choose not to shield, that is everyone's personal choice.

Type 1 for 50 years and then diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis as something went wrong with the muscles at the back of my eyes. All diabetic eye screening have always been good. Then this MS treatment reduces my immune system further and no shielding letter and my gp won’t advise or give me a letter, I work at a school. Both MS and Diabetic nurses advise to wait before returning to work. I live alone and this is my only income. I’m a little concerned to say the least.

 

[hollyslot]

Type 1s have 3.5 times the risk. I think type 2 is twice the risk. Due to low numbers of other diabetes types in studies they were put together as 'other types of diabetes' and I think also had twice the risk of non diabetics. This is for the stats of dying in hospital at least... (paper released on NHS England website last week).

Lots of type 1s who have contacted their GPs have been given shielding letters. Like has been said I think it will be a 'don't ask don't get' scenario due to taking too many out of the workforce otherwise. I think it will also depend on your job and working conditions. Someone lucky enough to be able choose to continue working from home might not be deemed as high risk as someone who has no choice but to interact with others. The concern will come as people are more complacent with lowdown easing measures. If you're concerned about your workplace then contact your GP. Of course you might choose not to shield, that is everyone's personal choice.

Sorry where are these facts from? Is it true that t1ds have 3.5 times the risk?

 

[urbanracer]

Sorry where are these facts from? Is it true that t1ds have 3.5 times the risk?

Ho @hollyslot

It's important to understand that this is headline data which applies to T1's admitted to hospital with severe Covid symptoms.

There is no attempt to seperate diabetics with well controlled or poorly controlled glucose levels, or co-morbidities etc.

 

[nailchewer]

I began shielding early (in February) when the first case was reported in our offices. I wish we had had better advice in the beginning instead of finding out that diabetics one of the highest mortality rates. They could have used your A1c results, additional underlying conditions, age and gender to determine who shields and receives specialist support.

Having experienced just how difficult and hard work it is to manage a viral infection (I had gastroenteritis last year that took me a week to recover), I decided that it was best to avoid as much human contact as possible.

Now, my big concern and decision is, as we come out of lockdown and shops, offices etc start opening, do I stop shielding or do I sit around waiting for a proven vaccine. Whilst it is an individual choice – we each know our ability to manage our condition – I’d be interested in what others are thinking…

Your right we should each know our levels of tolerance in terms of managing how we navigate society in easing back, or not. The big issue for me is that i do not know other peoples behaviours, attitudes and values that may impact on how the act in confined spaces. Prior to the lockdown, in January, i was waiting in a queue and the chap in front of me, at the chemists turned and coughed in my face, he did not cover his face or have a tissue. He then picked up and examined goods as we waited in queue to be served. At the same time another chap wanted something that was at ankle level infant of me, but he was standing behind, as he bent and over stretched he hung onto my legs. He did not apologise but said why did you have to get in my way?
So, having had pneumonia in December and January following a virus and chest infection i decided to go home and stop at home and am still at home. Have walked most days apart from the 8 weeks during the lockdown when the world and his wife realised that they could actually walk, ride bikes, run etc., I feel the government are about 2-4 weeks ahead of where i feel we should be so, i am going to stay at home, walk when i can, following safe distancing 2 metres, meet family the other side of my gate, until i feel it is safe to do otherwise. Already some of the behaviour at places like Weston Super Mare and Devon have reinforced my decision. I'm enjoying learning new things at home and have plenty to do and whats more important i can spare a few weeks to enhance my chances of surviving this novel virus. I'm 70 type 1.5 and use medication, diet and exercise to control my diabetes. What makes my bs shoot up is fear and stress from the adrenalin and our local shops are not that user friendly. So on line shopping suits me too. Hope that helps. Just another view and everyone has to do whats right for them.

 

[Muggle65]

I’m type 1, I’m also a home carer. Was told by doctors to not work (as I couldn’t keep 2m distancing). Due back in a weeks time, but slightly worried after being off for all this time

 

[MicheleJC]

I began shielding early (in February) when the first case was reported in our offices. I wish we had had better advice in the beginning instead of finding out that diabetics one of the highest mortality rates. They could have used your A1c results, additional underlying conditions, age and gender to determine who shields and receives specialist support.

Having experienced just how difficult and hard work it is to manage a viral infection (I had gastroenteritis last year that took me a week to recover), I decided that it was best to avoid as much human contact as possible.

Now, my big concern and decision is, as we come out of lockdown and shops, offices etc start opening, do I stop shielding or do I sit around waiting for a proven vaccine. Whilst it is an individual choice – we each know our ability to manage our condition – I’d be interested in what others are thinking…

 

[MicheleJC]

What actually does shielding mean for us? I worry that we will be told to isolate and i will never be with my family again. I would rather just go on being sensible when I go shopping, go for walks etc. I don't want a vaccination if I don't know what's in it.

 

[Dexterdobe]

Scientists are now suggesting that diabetics should be in the shielded group as extra vulnerable as it has been found that diabetics are 3 and a half more likely to die if they get coronavirus, but how could they make all diabetics shield, it could be hard, unless they only tell the diabetics who have not got good control over the their glucose levels to shield, it could be difficult for people who work

Most uncontrolled T2 diabetics are overweight. This raises the question, is it the diabetes that raises the risk to Covid-19 or the excess weight. I suspect that the excess weight is the killer and that diabetics who control their BG through diet and exercise may not be at greater risk.
At any rate, don't get the virus and the risk is zero.

 

[wigarv14]

I don’t really see a difference to anyone who has had to shield. A lot of those may have had to stop working.
If it saves lives that’s good. I’m self employed with zero income. If I have to shield I’ll do as I’m told. I may go via Durham but hey ho

Having Type 1 Diabetes only means if the corona virus is contracted that there is a likelihood of having a sustained and possibly more drastic reaction to it. Shielding could work in many cases, but tbh not in a lot of situations working from home. I am as well shielded as I can be and as long as other people are considerate of others around them, we should all come through this crisis. Having good glucose control helps... hopefully.

 

[Getting_Fit]

Scientists are now suggesting that diabetics should be in the shielded group as extra vulnerable as it has been found that diabetics are 3 and a half more likely to die if they get coronavirus, but how could they make all diabetics shield, it could be hard, unless they only tell the diabetics who have not got good control over the their glucose levels to shield, it could be difficult for people who work

Ive just read the most recent study published by NHS England 14th May and it doesn’t say that!!! It’s showing that “it all depends”
I am getting more and more disenchanted with the lack of any professional and scientific moderation in the group

 

[Hamfanjan]

My partner who has type 1 was sent a letter vua GP surgery to shield way back in March. About a month later sent another informing him it may have been a mistake ! Same day he had a letter from diabetes UK stating the vulnerability of diabetes. He disregarded the second letter from the surgery. He is protecting both of us as I have ME . But no one cares about that it seems. I wasn't allowed to speak to our GP had to deal with practice manager. She asked our dr where we stand with being vulnerable regarding CV. Apparently he said neither of us are any more vulnerable than anyone else with no underlying condition. And just to practice social distancing. Yeah right .I am always housebound anyway and my partner tends not to go very far at the best if times. So he will continue to be isolated for a bit longer yet. He also uses a CPAP machine at night for sleep apnoea .

 

[urbanracer]

Ive just read the most recent study published by NHS England 14th May and it doesn’t say that!!! It’s showing that “it all depends”
I am getting more and more disenchanted with the lack of any professional and scientific moderation in the group

And yet this is dated 20th May and states exactly that.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/05/...le-with-diabetes-during-coronavirus-outbreak/

 

[Jacqui T]

I am 57 years old and have been a T1 for 25 years. My BG levels are easily controlled in the day but climb at night. If I inject to bring them down I have a hypo in the early hours. So my HbA1C doesn't look bad but sugars can be crazy. I also have Sjogren's Syndrome (an auto immune that affects the endocrine system) and low thyroid. Plus I am on beta blockers for tachycardia. Wow! That is quite a catalogue when I write it down! I am full time carer to my dad of 91 and my mum of 83. He needs a heart valve replaced (now postponed) and is partially sighted and quite deaf. Mum was diagnosed with 2 types of cancer and diverticulitis right at the start of lockdown - all treatment was put on hold and is just starting again now. Both of them walk with aids. Because of their vulnerable status we went into shielding mode in early March. Coming out of that now to take mum to hospital appointments is pretty scary. My GP said I was not eligible for a vulnerable letter and mum is the only one who got a vulnerable letter. Reading the comments here it really does seem as though no system whatsoever is actually being used to make these decisions - which makes one feel even more vulnerable and anxious. I am currently furloughed from a 2 day a week, zero hour contract job in hospitality. When the business starts up again, I may have to give it up, as social distancing will be nigh-on impossible. Some days it all just feels like too much...

 

[Jamie H]

And yet this is dated 20th May and states exactly that.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/05/...le-with-diabetes-during-coronavirus-outbreak/

It doesn't say all diabetics should shield. Think this is what the poster was referring to. IMO it does all depend.

Confusion as the original poster has said on a few occasions scientists are suggested all diabetics shield... I've read nowhere that this is the case.

 

[cpomd]

I have multiple conditions as do a lot of Diabetics my agee is 66 retired so it was easy for me to shield. I think as a general rule if your surgery asks you in for a Flu Jab you have low immunity and should Shield

 

[urbanracer]

It doesn't say all diabetics should shield. Think this is what the poster was referring to. IMO it does all depend.

Confusion as the original poster has said on a few occasions scientists are suggested all diabetics shield... I've read nowhere that this is the case.

I assumed the comment was about the 3.5 times more likely to die statistic but maybe not.

With regards to shielding, It was being widely reported a few days ago when the OP started this thread. I heard it on the radio news.

https://www-mirror-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/diabetics-need-shield-home-against-22080905.amp?amp_js_v=a3&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQFKAGwASA=#aoh=15911635819405&referrer=https://www.google.com&amp_tf=From %1$s&ampshare=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/diabetics-need-shield-home-against-22080905

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.te...-isolate-home-lockdown-lifted-government/amp/