Getting colds and flu can be troublesome, and it can be worse if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Infections, dehydration, and the sugar in some medications can make it harder to control blood sugar.
There are steps you can take to prevent these problems and stay well.
The best way to do this is to get a flu shot once a year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu shot, so if your child has diabetes, make sure you get them vaccinated.
The flu vaccine can prevent many types of flu or prevent the flu virus that makes people sick from getting into the body. September may be the best time to get this vaccine because it is effective for about 6 months. But you can also get the flu vaccine at any time during the flu-prone season.
Also, ask your doctor if you need a pneumonia vaccine. This vaccine can help prevent bloodstream infections and meningitis.
What should I know about medicines for colds and flu?
The main problem for people with diabetes is that some medicines like cough syrup contain sugar. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend safe over-the-counter medications. Write down the names of these medications and keep them within reach for future reference.
Because medicines for colds and flu can cause serious side effects, they should not be given to children under 2 years old, regardless of whether they have diabetes.
Planning for sick days
Everyone can get a cold or flu. A doctor, nurse, or diabetes educator can help prepare. If you are too sick to walk, they may recommend staying home and not going to work, school, or kindergarten.
Test your blood sugar every 4 hours, or as recommended by your doctor.
If blood glucose levels are above 240 mg/dl, test for ketones. If the test results show ketones, consult your doctor.
Take your temperature regularly. Drink a glass of water every hour when you are awake. Water and soup are both good choices.
Try eating 35 to 50 grams of carbohydrates every 3 to 4 hours. If you can’t eat solid foods, try clear soups, regular soft drinks, popsicles, unsweetened applesauce, apple juice, or sports drinks.
Do not stop taking insulin or other diabetes treatment medications without your doctor’s permission.
When should I seek medical attention?
If you have diabetes and also think you may have the flu, see your doctor right away so that you can start treatment to prevent serious complications.
For adults, consult your doctor if your symptoms are very severe and have been going on for several days, or if you have a fever that does not go away. The following conditions also require medical attention.
- Hard to breathe.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Blood glucose levels consistently above 180 mg/dl.
- Blood glucose level consistently below 70 mg/dl.
- Inability to eat solid or liquid foods.
- Inability to eat solid or liquid foods.
- Body temperature above 38.3°C.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
For children, seek medical attention if the following symptoms occur.
- Hard to breathe.
- Blue lips.
- Not eating or drinking.
- Earache.
- Fever of 38.8°C or higher (or fever symptoms in infants 2 months and younger).
- Paranoid or drowsy than usual.
- Worsening of the illness.