The Common Cold and Flu Affects on Diabetics
Posted by Fleming Turner in Diabetes Relief
No one likes the cold and flu season, but diabetics have more reason to dread it than most. A person that is relatively healthy can anticipate to be out of commission for about three to four days. A person with diabetes could end up in the hospital, especially if they do not keep close tabs on their blood sugar levels.
Those with diabetes are encouraged to receive flu shots to defend themselves from coming down with the flu. The common cold or the flu increases stress on the body causes the blood glucose levels to rise. The majority of medications being sold to relieve symptoms connected with cold and flu have elevated levels of sugar. A diabetic needs to get into the habit of reading labels on commonly sold medications and looking for ones that are free of sugars or low in sugar. These medicines will not shorten the amount of time that is spent sick with a cold or the flu. A diabetic needs to take into account whether feeling better outweighs the danger of elevating blood sugar levels into the danger zone.
The next problem that cold and flu presents for the diabetic is they’re probably not eating properly. It is widely known that a diabetic must eat a healthy diet, however with illness such as cold or flu it is quite likely that’s not an option due to vomiting and nausea. Doctors advocate eating 15 grams of carbohydrates per hour, but due to the circumstances know that this might not be feasible. They will also usually advise the diabetic to continue taking their medications as they normally would.
Lack of fluids is one more threat that a diabetic can face. Taking in copious amounts of liquids is vital. Water, tea, and broth are excellent if the blood sugars continue inside the normal and high range. But if the blood glucose levels plunge, sipping a half cup of apple juice or other like sugared juice is counseled.
Monitoring blood sugar levels very closely during illness is imperative. Blood sugar levels can rise or fall dramatically and quickly. If a diabetic is already feeling icky they may not notice the signs that their sugar levels are out of control. Ketones should also be monitored. Ketones are the end product of excessive fatty-acid breakdown and are found in the urine only when ketone levels in the blood reach a certain point. Should a urine test prove positive for ketones, alert your doctor immediately. A high level of ketones could lead to a coma.
While no one can prevent getting the cold or flu 100%, they can take steps to reduce their risks. Getting a flu shot and encouraging those around them, like friends, loved ones and co-workers, to get one as well is a good begin. Flu shots can’t guarantee that one will not get the flu, however for about six months it makes it more difficult to get it.
A pneumonia shot is one more method to defend oneself from becoming gravely sick. Pneumonia shots are offered to any person over the age of two who is at an elevated threat of dying from pneumonia (an infection in the lungs), for example diabetic patients. Pneumonia shots are also 60% successful in averting additional serious diseases like meningitis (infection in the brain) and bacterernia (infection in the blood).
Finally, the best way to steer clear of getting sick is merely by washing one’s hands regularly and carefully. The easy action of hand washing gets rid of germs and bacteria, stopping them from gaining entrance to one’s body by way of the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Speaking with a physician before becoming ill and learning what to anticipate and when to contact them is important.
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