Sussex folks with diabetes urged to take up Coronavirus vaccine by Diabetes UK

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They say people with diabetes are disproportionately affected by the pandemic and are at higher risk of getting seriously ill if they develop a coronavirus.

The charity says the best protection against coronavirus for people with diabetes is to avoid contact with the virus and get vaccinated.

Jill Steaton, Southeast Regional Director for Diabetes UK, said: “All adults with diabetes are now offered the vaccine. Therefore, it is incredibly important to accept your invitation – to protect yourself, your family, and your community. The vaccines offered are safe and save lives. So don’t hesitate to get the vaccine in due course. If you have any concerns or questions about the vaccine, call the Diabetes UK Helpline on 0345 123 2399 to discuss matters. “

“/>Diabetes Campaign Hannah Syed SUS-210303-092153001Diabetes Campaign Hannah Syed SUS-210303-092153001

Diabetes is a condition in which there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. With the right treatment, knowledge, and support, people with diabetes can lead long, fulfilling, and healthy lives.

Arif Syed is chairman of Crawley (Broadfield) Mosque and a former lay member for patient and public engagement with the Crawley Clinical Commissioning Group. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 25 years ago.

Arif said, “I didn’t hesitate when I got the call to get my vaccination. I had my first dose in January and I encourage everyone in the South Asian community to take the vaccine if they get the chance. It’s especially important if, like me, you have type 2 diabetes. This has affected us all – unfortunately my brother, a respiratory consultant who treats Covid patients, is himself in the intensive care unit six months after he was diagnosed with the virus.

“Please take this seriously and join me in obtaining and promoting the vaccine that it is safe, effective and halal. For the past few weeks I have been busy organizing the vaccination bus that comes to our mosque to support our local vaccination campaign. For us, our loved ones and our community, it is important that we make this accessible to as many people as possible. Help Save Lives and Get the Vaccine. “

Hannah Syed, Arif’s daughter, is the Senior Diabetes Pharmacist for the East Sussex Healthcare Trust. She is currently helping oversee the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Hub at Eastbourne Hospital and assisting people with diabetes.

Hannah said, “I received my first injection in January and I am very proud of the NHS and the great job we are doing in introducing the vaccine. If you have diabetes I urge you to take the vaccine if it is offered. People with diabetes are more prone to developing serious illnesses, and people from some ethnic groups are at higher risk of dying from coronavirus. We are all there. When it is your turn to take the vaccine, please. Please contact us if you have any questions. “

If you have any concerns or would like more information, please call the Diabetes UK Helpline on 0345 123 2399 or visit our learning zone at diabetes.org.uk/learningzone for a free five-minute course on everything you need to know about the Need to know vaccine.