Shingles and diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases that lead to a chronic increase in blood sugar levels. Diabetes often triggers health complications and leads to an increased risk of infectious diseases due to the weakening of the immune system. In extreme cases, vascular changes can lead to blindness, dependence on dialysis or amputation of limbs. The quality of life of diabetics is significantly impaired.
Around 60 million people in Europe are affected by diabetes. In Austria, an estimated 515,000 to 809,000 people are affected - that is 7 to 11% of the total population.
Increased risk of developing shingles in patients with diabetes
Shingles is usually a very painful inflammation of the nerves which, regardless of age, poses a particular risk to patients whose immune system is weakened by an existing underlying disease.
Underlying illnesses can also increase the risk of complications or severe courses of shingles. In addition, immunocompromised people are more likely to suffer a recurrence of shingles.
Diabetes increases the risk of contracting shingles by
Vaccination protects against shingles
Vaccination against shingles can prevent the disease and possible complications.
In Austria, vaccination is recommended for individuals with a particularly high risk of shingles (severe underlying diseases including those with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, COPD, or asthma and/or severe immunosuppression) from the age of 18 years onwards.
Learn more about shingles (herpes zoster)
Shingles is a disease that is often underestimated, although it can affect almost anyone. Find out more about the cause of this nerve inflammation, symptoms, possible complications, prevention and treatment.
NP-AT-HZU-WCNT-240024, 12/2024