Having diabetes requires you to put a lot more effort into planning your meals, making time to exercise and taking your medications at the right time. If you have caught a cold, you will need to take some extra precautions to ensure you recover as quickly as possible. If you wish to take cold medications to help you deal with your cough, congestion or fever, carefully read the label and discuss with your pharmacist to find the best option for you.
Cold Medications
Many cold medications can contain ingredients that may affect your blood sugar levels or could interfere with other medications you are taking. Syrups for your cough are likely to contain a lot of sugar, which could compromise your blood sugar control. Always read the ingredient list or choose sugar-free version to prevent hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels.
Consult Your Pharmacist
Whenever buying over-the-counter medications, consult your pharmacist. Always go to the same pharmacy, if possible, so your pharmacist has all your prescribed medications on file. Your pharmacist is the most suitable health professional to help you decide which over-the-counter medications are more appropriate for you, considering your medical conditions and other prescribed medications.You should also consult your pharmacist when buying natural health products or nutritional supplements because natural ingredients can also interfere with your blood sugar levels or other medications.
Sick Days and Blood Sugar Levels
If you are sick with a cold, your blood sugar levels are likely to be higher than usual. As you body is fighting your illness, it releases hormones that can result in increased blood sugar levels, which is normal. This is why it is important that you choose cold medications that will not further raise your blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar levels are way above your target, consult your doctor for help.
What to Do
If you are sick and have diabetes, it is important you stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. You should also ensure that you follow your meal plan with the same amount of carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar levels as stable as possible. Monitor your blood sugar levels more often to track the impact of your cold over your blood sugar control. Type 1 diabetics should also check urine ketones regularly. Contact your diabetes team or doctor if you have a fever for more than two days, have diarrhea or vomit and can't keep anything down for more than six hours or if you don't know what to do to take care of yourself.
