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Insulin dependent diabetes and Covid 19

Hampton2016

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I am a 78 year old Type 2 on 55 units of insulin a day and have been sheltering from Covid 19. I haven't caught Covid yet but am dying to go out and about.

Have other similar diabetics had Covid and how bad was it for them? I'd be quite happy to run risks if it is just like flu.
 
Mmh. Well done avoiding so far.

T2D, diet & Metformin.
No insulin.

Had it last year November wave.

Never had flu proper, so this was the worst cold, etc I ever had.
Asthmatic to, so was likely worse then I might have got.

4/5 days really rough, but not at death's door, TG.


Worst of it lasted 10 days, recovered reasonably quickly.

Was just due for my 3 jab (had previous 2 no issues)

I'd like to say, you can avoid it indefinitely, but I don't personally believe that's truly possible AND be able to live anywhere near our previous lifestyles.

If it helps, I'd suggest it's airborne & dose level counts most.

Sure no one can guarantee outcomes.

But a few sensible precautions can't hurt.

Avoid crowded spaces if possible
spend as little time in close contact if not.

Treat outdoors as safer then indoors..(as in bars restaurants etc)

I'd personally not wear a mask in street, but would in stores.

Sure to be a winter wave, and masking becomes more prevalent, but many won't feel the need


If it helps....wife had it recently
We were sensible, but I didn't fully isolate from her...but did commandeer the couch, for a week or two.

Never caught it from her, but did ventilate rooms well most days
And she did similar for me, during my bout, again not catching it.

Hope some of that helps make a difficult decision a little easier.


I do report & monitor the Zoe app, now no one tests anymore.

it does give a reasonable early warning that a spike is happening in your area & overall.

Good luck.
 
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Type 1 had covid twice felt a bit head cold ish for two days then nothing , didn’t stop me doing anything I’ve had the first two covid vaccinations and one booster ,
 
I have had all the covid vaccinations and boosters on offer to me (a total of 5).

Apart from Type 1 diabetes (with my last Hba1c of 45), I have no other medical conditions. I am a healthy weight and very active.
I am probably "healthier" than others of my age (mid 50s).

I try to look after my full body and soon realised although diabetes could make me higher risk of a stronger reaction to covid, for my mental health, I could not hide away from the world.
I learnt the key risk factors I can control are diabetes management and weight. So, I doubled down on managing both of these to minimise the risk.
I was one of the last to wear a mask when I was out but this was to protect others rather than myself. Likewise, I still test when I am going somewhere with crowds or to visit elderly relatives.

I caught covid once and have had worse colds.
Once I had my blood sugars under control (I had to increase my insulin), the worse part was isolating for 5 days.
I have had flu and this was nowhere near as bad.
 
Like you I’ve never had Covid. I’ve been working in healthcare setting over these last few years and have been lucky. The one conclusion I have come to is that I’m as vaccinated as I’m going to be and I need to live as quality of life is more important to me than quantity. Covid in some respects is probably going to be like the flu something we have to endure but becomes part of daily life. One thing I do consider is how I spend any spare time and would probably avoid large crowds but I do like crafting with like minded individuals and it’s a pleasure to be able to return. You can’t beat a good laugh with good company!
 
I did catch covid in September - after 4 jabs - for me it was a bit worse than a cold, mostly some feeling a bit grotty and feeling getting tired quicker, my sugar levels were actually not too bad though I suspect that may have been down to the auto-mode on my pump giving me more background insulin.

I had just under 2 weeks off work, I probably could've returned earlier, but I didnt want to push things, and I had only had one previous sick days in the last few years so figured it was probably ok :)
 
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