Diabetes raises the risk of getting a cold because of the weakened immune system and it becomes harder for a diabetic person to keep blood sugar levels under control because of various diabetic complications.

In diabetes, sometimes while fighting the illness (cold), the body releases hormones that further increase the blood sugars levels and interfere with Insulin’s functioning. Insulin is a hormone that affects the blood sugar levels in the bloodstream.

This condition is more common in people with Type 2 Diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, when a diabetic person catches a cold, the body sends out hormones to fight the infection making it hard for the body to use insulin properly, resulting in a rise of blood sugar levels. Especially, if the person is older, sometimes a high level of blood sugar can bring on serious conditions like Diabetic Coma.

In Type 1 Diabetes, it can lead to ketoacidosis, which is a buildup of too much acid in the blood.

Having a cold can lead to oversleeping, dehydration, and can affect your eating pattern and regular schedule. All of this makes it harder to deal with when one has diabetes. So here are a few practices that people with Type 2 Diabetes can follow while being sick:

Anticipate your blood sugar level – It’s imperative to monitor your blood sugar levels more often when you get cold while having diabetes. If it’s spiking at an alarming rate or vice-versa then immediately consult a doctor. A ketone test is also advisable, which can be performed using a urine test strip.

Watch out for extra sugar – While having a cold you may have to take cough syrup which could immediately shoot up your blood glucose levels. If it is rising a little then it’s not a reason for worry but if the reading has exceeded the alarming range then consult the doctor immediately. Moreover, if possible try sticking to sugar-free versions.

Keep yourself hydrated – Fluids are recommended for anyone who is sick because the sickness can cause dehydration. However, diabetic people should be more vigilant of their fluid intake because high blood glucose levels lead to more urination, which may lead to dehydration.
(Make sure you don’t go for sugary drinks as they won’t be of any help. Always opt for water or sugar-free drinks to replace electrolytes.)

Don’t skip your Diabetes medicine – It’s strictly not advisable to skip your diabetes medicines or Insulin intake while dealing with any sickness. If the need arises, consult with a medical professional first, if he/she suggests then only move forward with it.

Eat something – While having a cold you may not feel hungry but it’s important to eat something at regular intervals. Otherwise, your blood sugar might fall. One can have food from the regular meal plan.
Make sure you take enough liquid, water and broth can be a good choice for that.

Eat right – Always check what you eat or drink against your regular diabetes diet to be sure of blood sugar levels. If you eat too much or too little, it might disturb your blood sugar balance.

Try eating 35-50gms of carbs every 3-4 hours. If you are not in a position to eat solid food, try having soup, unsweetened applesauce, apple juice, broth, or sports drinks.

Check your blood sugar levels more often – While you might be frequently monitoring your blood glucose levels, it is necessary to make sure that you have your blood sugar levels maintained. Try monitoring it more often than usual to have a clear idea of what’s happening. If something is alarming, consult the doctor immediately.

Taking care of yourself while you are sick is important but it becomes a necessity when you have diabetes. So, if you have diabetes and next time you get cold, try following the above mentioned steps to keep diabetic complications at bay.

We at Gujarat Superspeciality Hospital are dedicated to provide our patients with the best of services and quality care. If you or someone you know is experiencing any health issues, consult with our specialists today at Gujarat Superspeciality Hospital from Monday to Saturday between 10 AM to 06 PM.