Diabetes and belt rose: urgent appeal for previous vaccinations in Germany

Diabetes and belt rose: urgent appeal for previous vaccinations in Germany

diabetes mellitus affects around 60 million people in Europe and has far -reaching health consequences, including increased susceptibility to infections. The belt rose (herpes zoster) particularly focuses, which brings a 24 percent higher risk of illness in diabetics. This infection is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, which often remains in the body after a chickenpox infection. While most affected people remain asymptomatic, the virus can be reactivated, especially in people with a weakened immune system.

A permanently increased blood sugar level, as it often occurs in diabetes, can significantly weaken the immune system. Dr. Helmut Brath, a diabetologist from Vienna, emphasizes that even well -controlled diabetes patients have a higher risk of infections. Around this problem there are intensive discussions about vaccination strategies in both Germany and Austria.

Different vaccination recommendations

In Austria it is advised that diabetics should be vaccinated against shingles from the age of 18. This is a reaction to the increasing infection rates and is intended to reduce the risk of severe disease courses. In contrast, the constant vaccination commission (STIKO) in Germany recommends that vaccination only be made from the age of 60, and has so far not given a general recommendation for younger diabetics, even if vaccination for people from 50 with certain previous illnesses is possible.

This difference is not just a national matter; He reflects that there are different strategies for vaccination prevention in Europe. Diabetes and patient organizations require that Germany should adapt its age limit for the shingles vaccination to the increasing number of diabetics. A more comprehensive vaccination strategy could not only improve the individual end result for many patients, but also reduce the stress of the health system.

Studies have shown that shingles can have serious consequences, especially in the elderly and immunocompromised people. One of the most painful complications is the postherpetic neuralgia, which can remain long after the rash has remained. Diabetics are particularly susceptible to such difficult courses. The need for early vaccination is increasingly recognized.

The European Society for Diabetes and Endocrinology (ESE) also requires a uniform strategy to combat infection risks, including shingles. Germany is under pressure to regularly check its vaccination recommendations. The discussions about the adaptation of the guidelines will continue and it remains to be seen whether the stiko will agree to a lowering of the age limit.

Such a plan could not only contribute to improving the general health of diabetics, but also preventing complications for long -term. Early prevention could be the key to a healthier and pain -free life for many people with diabetes.