Diabetics be Careful when You have a Cold, Cough or Flu

Tue, 24 Jan 2012
Every year, an average of 200,000 Americans have to be hospitalised due to flu complications.

However, those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are thrice as likely to face complications that could be fatal, so says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The best approach is preventative and diabetics ought to seriously consider getting a flu shot in the fall.

The following sick-day plan is aimed at helping diabetic patients with a cough, cold or the flu.

It is vital to get lots of sleep, and when awake be restful. So read, shop online or watch TV. It is vital not to be too stressed.

"Feed a cold, starve a fever" is the usual advice given. However, that is not necessarily the advice to follow. It is useful to eat lots of healthy, easily digestible foods, such as, soups, sugar-free jelly and fruit juice mixed with water.

Dehydration causes your blood sugar levels to fall, therefore, drink a cup of sugar-free, caffeine-free liquid every hour.

Medicine cabinets should of course contain a glucose meter, a thermometer, ketone-testing supplies and medicines for cold and flu symptoms.

It is imperative that when diabetics have a cough, cold or flu, that they treat their symptoms with medicine which does not impact negatively on their diabetes .

Cough syrups are often up to 50 percent sugar, and cold and flu medicines can contain alcohol; both of these can increase one's glucose, potentially to dangerous levels. Diabetic Tussin is a trusted medicine amongst the medical community as it is sugar and alcohol-free, rendering it 100 percent safe for diabetics.

It is imperative to take your insulin and diabetes medicine on time, even if you have nausea or have not eaten. Ensure that you monitor blood glucose levels a minimum of four times a day.

Should your symptoms get worse, get in touch with your GP.

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