The Common Cold and Flu Affects on Diabetics
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 expect 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.
Diabetics are strongly urged to get flu shots to protect themselves from getting the flu. Getting a simple cold or the flu can place added stress on the body raising the blood sugar levels. Most medications on the market, to aid in the relief of symptoms associated with cold and flu, contain high amounts of sugar. A diabetic should always read the labels of over the counter medications and look for the ones that are sugar-free or low in sugar. It has not been proven that these medicines decrease the duration of cold or flu. Diabetics need to weigh the consequences of taking these to feel better and dangerously raising blood sugar levels against being miserable for awhile, but somewhat safer.
The next problem that cold and flu presents for the diabetic is they are 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 is not an option due to vomiting and nausea. Physicians recommend eating 15 grams of carbohydrates per hour, but due to the circumstances know that this may not be feasible. They will also usually advise the diabetic to continue taking their medications as they normally would.
Dehydration is another risk that a diabetic can experience. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential. Water, tea, and broth are good if the blood sugars remain within the normal and high ranges. Should the blood sugar levels drop, drinking a half cup of apple juice or other heavily sugared juice is advised
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 physician immediately. A high level of ketones could lead to a coma.
Despite the fact that no one can avoid getting the cold or flu 100%, they can take preventative measures. Receiving a flu shot as well as asking those in contact with them on a regular basis, friends, loved ones and co-workers, to get one is an excellent starting point. Flu shots will not promise that an individual will stay flu-free, on the other hand for approximately six months it makes it extra hard catch 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 ideal 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.
Conversation with a doctor prior to getting sick and knowing what to be expecting and at what time to get in touch with them is significant.
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