According To Expert: Children With Type 1 Diabetes Can Still Be Vaccinated For COVID-19

JAKARTA – Diabetes can attack anyone, it can be experienced by adults and children. There are 2 categories of diabetes, namely diabetes type 1 and 2. The cause is the same, patients experience high blood sugar levels in the body.

As reported by CNN Indonesia, Thursday, September 2, Prof. Dr. Aman Bhakti Pulungan as General Chair of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) said that type 1 diabetes generally occurs in children with autoimmune conditions. Usually, children with type 1 diabetes tend not to produce enough insulin due to this condition.

Given that diabetes is a comorbid or congenital disease that has risk when exposed to COVID-19, it is necessary to take preventive measures, namely by keeping from being exposed, implementing health protocols, and vaccinations.

According to Doctor Aman's explanation, "It doesn't matter (if you get the COVID-19 vaccination). There are no contraindications for children with controlled type 1 diabetes”.

Furthermore, please note that type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented because it is caused by genetic and or hereditary factors. But when experienced, the severity can be minimized.

For type 2 diabetes, it can be prevented by improving a healthier lifestyle. Both types of diabetes can be controlled by maintaining blood sugar levels.

In response to this problem, the IDAI has issued a letter of recommendation so that children with type 1 diabetes mellitus can immediately vaccinate against COVID-19.