Members of the T2D Healthline community share what it was like to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
If you live with a chronic condition like type 2 diabetes, you likely have questions about COVID-19 vaccines and how they affect you.
Some people with type 2 diabetes fear that the vaccine will cause blood sugar levels to rise. Others have concerns about the possible side effects.
However, it’s important to remember that if you live with a condition like type 2 diabetes, you may also be at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 complications.
The overwhelming consensus among medical professionals is that the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 vaccination is recommended and safe for most people with chronic illnesses.
If you have specific questions about how the vaccine may affect you or interact with other drugs you are taking, it is a good idea to speak to your doctor.
If your doctor has already suggested the vaccination but you still feel unsure, it may be helpful to hear from others who have firsthand knowledge of how you are feeling.
The T2D Healthline community understands what you’re going through and is here to help. Here’s what seven members had to say about their experience with the COVID-19 vaccine.
“I got the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, one and it was done. No side effect so far. My blood sugar was lower afterwards, but that could also be because I had fasted beforehand. ”- Anjanette Brown
“I didn’t have any side effects. My blood sugar did not go up. No pain in my arm. No headache. “- Susie51
“I had a sore arm. I got my second shot yesterday and still only had a sore arm like the first shot. ”- Korie C.
“I had absolutely no problems other than raising my blood sugar by about 20 points, but it’s back to normal today. I had no fever, pain, or other typical side effects. My arm hurt a little. Nothing bad. But I slept like a baby last night! Best sleep I’ve had in ages! ” – sherry
“I have closely monitored my blood sugar and am happy not to report any changes. Moderna ROCKS! “- Luella T.
“My wife, brother, neighbor, and I all got our vaccines; nobody had any side effects. ”- Jim333
“I got my COVID-19 vaccine! I had some arm, knee, and foot pain, but nothing bad. I felt tired after getting my first shot.
“The only thing that happened after my second shot was a sore arm for a few days, then it was gone! There were no other side effects on the second exposure. For me, the Pfizer vaccine was a very good experience. ”- Debbie A.
Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and challenging for everyone. For people living with chronic illness and those whose loved ones live with chronic illness, this stress and fear has increased.
Choosing a COVID-19 vaccine may feel like a big deal, but it doesn’t have to feel scary. The currently available COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the FDA for emergency use.
Doctors agree that the vaccines are safe, effective, and that their benefits far outweigh the risk of side effects.
Getting vaccinated is the best that we as individuals can do to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.
Elinor Hills is an Associate Editor at Healthline. She is passionate about the interface between emotional well-being and physical health, and how people build connections through shared medical experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, photography, drawing, and spending far too much time running.
