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Managing diabetes and staying healthy during COVID-19

Updated 23 March 2023.

Australia’s COVID-19 vaccines

Everyone in Australia will be offered a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Information about Australia’s COVID-19 vaccines is available from the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Call the National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline on 1800 020 080 if you have vaccine questions.

Having a plan if you get sick with a respiratory or other illness

When you have diabetes, other illnesses or infections can affect your glucose levels and your diabetes management. Being prepared can help you know what to do if you get sick.

That’s why it’s important to have your own sick day management plan—before you get sick.

Check out our NDSS fact sheets:

For more information, visit the Diabetes Australia website:

Looking after your mental health

If you are self-isolating or if you live in an area currently affected by a COVID-19 outbreak it is important to take care of your mental health and emotional wellbeing.

We have a range of helpful emotional health resources to support you.

For more information, visit the Diabetes Australia website:

If you are concerned about your diabetes management—don’t hesitate to call our NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a diabetes health professional.

Managing worry about COVID-19 and diabetes

We know things might be a little scary and uncertain and the COVID-19 situation changes often with hotspots and restrictions. Your experience of living with diabetes, and the stresses and uncertainties it brings, means you may be better prepared to cope with this situation than most people. If you find yourself worrying, it might help to focus on the things that you can control in your life. Read more in our fact sheet Managing worry about COVID-19 and diabetes. This fact sheet is also available in other languages.

More information and support

Lifeline provides crisis phone support on 13 11 14 all day every day as well as online and text chats at night. For more information, visit the Lifeline webpage dedicated to mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19.

Visit beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 224 636. Beyond Blue provides information and support to people with depression or anxiety or anyone going through a tough time. Support services are available via telephone, email or live chat, including online forums where you can connect with others.

Visit Headspace.org.au support for young people, their family and friends to be mentally healthy and engaged in their communities.

Staying active

Looking for ways to stay active while practising social distancing during COVID-19 outbreaks or self-isolating?

Here are some ideas to keep you moving:

There are plenty of other benefits of regular physical activity, including improving mood. Have a read of our Physical activity fact sheet.

For more information, visit the Diabetes Australia website:

Eating healthy

The foods you eat can affect your diabetes management, how well you feel and how much energy you have. Choosing healthy foods and being active can help you manage your blood glucose levels.  A good place to start is by reading our Lifestyle and healthy eating fact sheets or our nutrition pages.

For more information, visit the Diabetes Australia website:

Having a flu shot

In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, you can get vaccinated against the seasonal flu.

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 and from the flu and are more likely to develop serious respiratory illnesses than people without diabetes.

The flu shot is free for people with diabetes—however some GPs and pharmacies will charge a service fee. Ask when you make your appointment if there will be a service fee or cost to you.

Be sure to phone first. GP practices and pharmacies have special arrangements in place to keep you safe when you visit.

For more information, visit the Diabetes Australia:

Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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