The flu is more dangerous for diabetics than for others. Why is this so? Any type of disease raises blood sugar levels in diabetics. In fact, illness can prevent a diabetic from eating properly, further affecting blood glucose levels. Diabetes compromises the immune system by making people more vulnerable to severe cases of the flu (Centers for Disease Control (CDC)). Diabetics who get the flu usually get very, much sicker than other people who get the flu. In many cases, diabetics with the flu end up in the hospital.
People with diabetes can stay safe from the flu by getting vaccinated annually, as long as they are not allergic to it, like many people. The flu is definitely not good for everyone. Many people complain of getting sick after getting the flu shot. However, for the most part, it is very good at preventing the flu. It is recommended that all people with diabetes, including pregnant women, get a yearly flu shot, and the best time to do so is in October or mid-November before flu season begins (CDC).
According to the CDC, if you have diabetes, a flu shot can mean the difference between life and death. In addition to the influenza vaccine, diabetics should also receive the pneumococcal vaccine along with the tetanus / diphtheria toxoid (Td) vaccine. All steps should be taken to stay as safe as possible from infection.
There are some important steps that can be taken to avoid getting sick. Washing your hands regularly is a very good practice to stop the spread of flu and other infections. Contact with sick people should be avoided. Influenza, for example, is believed to be spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or contact with infected people. If you’re feeling unwell, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school to limit contact with others and prevent them from getting sick, too.
Regardless of the circumstances, diabetics must continue to take their medications (pills or insulin), even if they cannot eat while sick with the flu. Sometimes healthcare providers may recommend diabetic patients to inject more insulin during illness, depending on the situation (CDC).
Diabetics should closely monitor when they experience any form of illness. Here are some key steps to take in the event of illness: Check your blood glucose levels every hour; all results must be recorded and controlled; drink extra fluids (no calories) and try to eat normally; If you cannot eat normally, eat soft and liquid foods that contain the same amount of carbohydrates that you normally eat. weighing yourself every day, losing weight effortlessly could be a sign of high blood sugar; and check body temperature every morning and night; fever could be a sign of infection (CDC).
One should call their healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if any of the following occur: feeling too sick to eat normally, unable to hold down food for more than 6 hours; episodes of severe diarrhea; lose 5 pounds or more; body temperature is above 101 degrees F; blood glucose is less than 60 mg / dL or remains above 300 mg / dL; you experience moderate or large amounts of ketones in your urine; feeling sleepy or unable to think clearly; and difficulty breathing (CDC).
Diabetics need to be very careful when dealing with the flu because diabetes itself compromises the immune system of diabetics. Therefore, preventing the flu is the best medicine. Although the flu vaccine does not suit everyone, it is still the most effective remedy for the flu. Therefore, every effort should be made to get a flu shot every year.
Visit CDC for more information on diabetes and influenza.
