Everyone doesn’t like a cold, but if you have diabetes, any runny nose and sneezing symptoms come with an extra risk. Once you get a cold, your blood sugar levels are likely to rise. Here are some suggestions to help you get rid of this worry.
Why does my blood sugar keep going up?
Why does my blood sugar keep going up?
When you have a cold, your body produces hormones to fight the virus. The downside: You are not able to use insulin properly and your blood sugar levels may rise.
If you have type 1 diabetes, hard-to-control blood sugar levels can lead to problems like ketoacidosis. This is caused by too much acid building up in the bloodstream and can be life-threatening in severe cases.
If you have type 2 diabetes, especially if you are older, excessive elevation of blood sugar can lead to a severe diabetic coma.
How often should I test my blood glucose?
When you have a cold, your blood glucose should be measured at least every 3 to 4 hours. If the measured blood glucose level is not within your target range, you need to adjust your diabetes management plan. If your blood glucose level is too high, your doctor may recommend increasing your insulin dose.
What should I eat and drink?
You may not feel hungry when you first get sick, but it is very important to try to eat something anyway. You can choose some foods from your regular meal plan.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes try to eat foods that contain 15 grams of carbohydrates per hour. Try the following foods:
- 90 g of fruit juice
- 120 ml frozen yogurt
- 120 ml cooked cereal
Your blood sugar may drop too low if you don’t eat.
If you have symptoms of fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, drink one cup of fluid food every hour. You can take small sips and do not have to swallow it all at once. The most important thing is to avoid dehydrating your body.
If your blood sugar is too high, drink something like water or unsweetened ginger ale. If your blood sugar is too low, drink half a glass of apple juice or half a glass of ginger ale. You need to check your diet frequently for conflicts with your regular diabetes diet to make sure you are consuming these foods and drinks in a way that is acceptable to your body.
What cold medicines can I take?
People with diabetes can take some over-the-counter cold medicines, but avoid medicines that are high in sugar. Examples include cough syrup. You should check the ingredients of the medication carefully before taking it. Consult your doctor if you have any questions.
If you have high blood pressure, you should avoid any cold medicine that contains decongestants, which can cause your blood pressure to rise.
How can I avoid colds?
You should make sure you and your family wash your hands often. There is no vaccine to prevent colds, but you can talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot every year.