Diabetes is challenging, requiring consistent diet management, exercise, blood sugar testing and medication or insulin each day. But when a cold, the flu, a stomach virus or another acute illness attacks, it can affect all of these factors, upsetting metabolism. Talking with a diabetic nurse educator or a certified health coach before illness strikes can help minimize illness-related complications.
Hyperglycemia
The American Diabetes Association notes that illnesses suchas colds and flu can increase blood glucose levels by mobilizing energy stored in the liver, by decreasing exercise or by changing the way people eat with a preference for carbohydrates. People who take insulin can monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin but those who manage their diabetes with diet, exercise or oral medications don't have that option.
In either case eating small frequent meals and drinking plenty of water can help prevent ketoacidosis, the dangerous condition that occurs when there is not enough insulin and the body starts to metabolize fats. Signs of ketoacidosis include shortness of breath, breath that smells fruity or sweet, nausea and vomiting and a very dry mouth. Medical attention is required immediately if these signs occur according to ADA recommendations.
Hypoglycemia
When a gastrointestinal virus or influenza causes nausea and vomiting and diarrhea, severe coughing causes vomiting or a severe sore throat limits drinking and eating, the blood glucose will drop, a condition called hypoglycemia. Symptoms, according to the ADA, include shakiness, dizziness, sweating, confusion, hunger, headache, pallor, sudden moodiness or crying and tingling sensations around the mouth. If untreated, seizures and unconsciousness can occur within minutes of the onset of these milder symptoms.
Treatment involves rapid recognition, checking the blood glucose and then consuming 15 gm of sugar in the form of a tablespoon of honey, 1/2 cup of regular soda or juice or similar item. This should be followed by a protein snack and rechecking of the blood sugar, says the ADA.
Diabetes and the Flu
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends immunization with the seasonal flu vaccine each year for all people with diabetes and for special influenza outbreaks as well, as was the case with the 2009 H1N1 flu. They note that because diabetes alters the immune system, a mild case of influenza can easily become a severe illness requiring hospitalization.
The CDC advises people with diabetes to call their physician at the onset of flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, cough and sore throat because medications to fight the flu may be beneficial.
