A cold or flu can be a real pain for anyone. You feel weak and don't want to do anything. But if you have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, this common illness can be a little more serious. Because of things like infections, dehydration, and certain medications, it can be very difficult to control your blood sugar levels. But don't worry, if you are aware of this and take the necessary steps, you can manage this condition well.
Why do my blood sugar levels rise when I'm sick?
Simply put, it works like this: When you get an infection like a cold, your body starts to fight the disease. To help in this fight, your body releases special hormones. Think of it like an army coming out to fight the disease inside your body.
But this has a small side effect. These hormones prevent our body's insulin from doing its job properly. So the result is that your blood sugar levels suddenly rise.
- If a person with Type 1 Diabetes' blood sugar levels become uncontrollable, they can develop a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis . This is when the blood becomes too acidic. This can be life-threatening.
- A person with Type 2 Diabetes , especially an older person, can develop a serious condition called diabetic coma if their blood sugar levels become too high.
Therefore, it is not a good idea to ignore a cold that someone with diabetes has, thinking it is normal.
How to prevent colds and flu?
Prevention is the best cure, so be careful about these things.
- Wash your hands regularly: Make it a habit for you and your family to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly.
- Get a Flu Shot: While there is no vaccine for the common cold, there is a vaccine to prevent the flu. Getting this vaccine every year is the best thing you can do. It is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. So if your child has diabetes, get him or her this vaccine too.
- Encourage others: It's a good idea to get the flu vaccine not only for yourself, but also for your family, coworkers, and friends. If they don't get it, it's much less likely that you'll get it too.
September is considered the best time to get this vaccine, as it provides protection for about 6 months. However, you can get this vaccine at any time during the flu season.
Also consider the pneumonia vaccine.
Ask your doctor if you need a pneumonia shot. This vaccine not only protects you from pneumonia, but also from diseases like blood infections and meningitis. According to the American Diabetes Association, only 1 in 3 people with diabetes have received the vaccine. But did you know that people with diabetes are nearly three times more likely to die from the flu and pneumonia?
What you need to know about cold medicine
One of the biggest problems for someone with diabetes is that some cold medicines contain sugar. Especially cough syrups and liquid medicines can contain sugar.
- Read the label: Before you buy a medicine from a pharmacy, read the label carefully to see what it contains.
- Ask your doctor: The best and safest thing to do is to talk to your doctor and ask them about sugar-free medications that are suitable for you. Write down the names of the medications you ask about somewhere. It will help you later.
- Be careful with high blood pressure: If you also have high blood pressure, avoid taking cold medicines that contain decongestants, as they can increase your blood pressure even more.
- Do not give to young children: Whether they have diabetes or not, do not give cold or flu medicine to children under 2 years of age without medical advice due to the risk of serious side effects.
Let's make a sick-day plan.
Anyone can get a cold or flu at any time. So it's wise to be prepared. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or diabetes educator to develop a plan that's right for you. Common advice includes doing things like:
1. Check your blood sugar levels regularly: Your doctor may recommend that you check your blood sugar levels at least every 4 hours . If your blood sugar levels are not within your target range, your doctor may recommend that you change your diabetes management plan accordingly. If your blood sugar levels are too high, your doctor may recommend that you increase your insulin dose.
2. Check for Ketones: If your blood sugar level is above 240 mg/dL , check your urine for ketones. If you have ketones, call your doctor immediately.
3. Check your body temperature: Always check your body temperature.
4. Food and Drink:When you're sick, you may not feel like eating. But it's important to try to eat and drink something. If you don't eat, your blood sugar levels can get dangerously low. If you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, drink at least a glass of liquid every hour you're awake. Water, broth, and orange juice are good.
5. Don't stop taking insulin/medication: Keep taking your insulin or other diabetes medications as prescribed, unless your doctor tells you not to.
When to see a doctor immediately
If you or your child with diabetes has symptoms of a fever, call your doctor right away to start treatment to prevent serious complications. Be especially aware of the symptoms in the table below.
| When to seek medical advice | |
|---|---|
| For adults | |
| Symptoms | If symptoms are severe or last for several days. |
| Difficulty breathing | If you feel difficulty breathing. |
| Blood sugar level | If the sugar level continues to be above 180 mg/dL or below 70 mg/dL . |
| Vomiting/diarrhea | If you cannot keep down food or drink, or if you have persistent vomiting or diarrhea. |
| Fever | If the fever is higher than 101°F (38.3°C) or if the fever does not go down. |
| For young children | |
| Difficulty breathing | If you have difficulty breathing or your lips are turning blue. |
| Refusal to eat/drink | If the child refuses to eat or drink. |
| Fever | If the fever is over 102°F (38.9°C) (in a baby under 2 months of age, any fever). |
| Other features | Ear pain, unusually sleepy or irritable, worsening of symptoms. |
Take-Home Message
- If you have diabetes, don't ignore even a common cold. It can disrupt your blood sugar levels.
- Get a flu shot every year. Encourage your family to do the same.
- Make a sick-day plan with your doctor in advance.
- Check your blood sugar levels regularly when you are sick. If your blood sugar is above 240 mg/dL, check for ketones.
- Avoid taking medications, especially cough syrups that contain sugar, without medical advice. Ask your doctor about safe medications.
- If you notice warning signs such as difficulty breathing, high fever, or uncontrolled sugar levels, seek medical advice immediately.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment