Diabetics React Less to COVID-19 Vaccinations Without Increased Risk of Break-through Infections: An Observational Study from Community Reporters (Preprint)

BACKGROUND This exploratory study compares COVID-19 vaccine side effects and breakthrough infections in diabetics and non-diabetics using patient-reported data and pharmacy claims. OBJECTIVE The study aims to use patient reported data to evaluate differences in COVID-19 vaccine side effects between diabetic and non-diabetic adults. METHODS Adults who voluntarily self-enrolled between March 19, 2021 and July 16, 2022 in the IQVIA COVID-19 Active Research Experience (CARE) project reported clinical and demographic information, COVID-19 vaccination, test-confirmed infection(s), and consented to linkage with prescription claims which was used for sensitivity analysis of medication effects. RESULTS Diabetics (n=724) reported experiencing fewer vaccine side effects within 2 weeks of vaccination than non-diabetics (n=6,417) (mean [SD]=2.7(2.0] vs. 3.1[2.0]). Adjusted risk of having any or individual side effects was lower among diabetics, with significant reductions in fatigue and headache, but no differences in breakthrough infections over participants’ maximum follow-up time. Diabetic medication use did not consistently affect the risk of specific side effects. CONCLUSIONS Diabetics reported fewer vaccine side effects than non-diabetics, with similar risk of breakthrough infection.