While many of us think of cold and flu season as a time of irritating and inconvenient illnesses, it can be significantly worse for people with health concerns, like blood sugar worries.
“When a person with [blood sugar concerns] gets sick, the stress causes their body to release hormones that upset blood sugar levels,” said Dr. Felix Jolly, a Family Medicine Physician at ThedaCare Physicians. “With careful monitoring and preparations in place, people can reduce their odds of becoming seriously ill.”
Having blood sugar concerns doesn’t raise the risk of catching a cold or the flu. But, if a person with blood sugar concerns gets a cold or the flu, they are more likely to become seriously ill or even require hospitalization. An infection can cause big changes in blood sugar levels that may lead to confusion or odd behavior.
Planning ahead can be a group effort. If you have blood sugar concerns, it’s best to have friends and family who can take care of you. Stress and illness can make managing blood sugar more difficult. If you have company, they can remind you to check your blood sugar more frequently than usual, help you stay hydrated, be sure there is healthy food in the house and help you remain calm and avoid extra stress.
Dr. Jolly stressed the importance of managing blood sugar when sick. “Keeping your blood glucose on target is one of the best ways to help your body deal with sickness. Yet being sick can make it hard to eat, and that will disrupt your blood sugar levels.”
Dr. Jolly also pointed out that many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines contain added sugars that could cause spikes. You should consult your doctor before using them. He also said you should go to your doctor for a variety of reasons. If your blood sugar is over 240 or under 70 for more than a day, seek medical attention. If you have vomiting, diarrhea or a fever over 101 F for more than a day, contact your doctor. And if you have any new or worsening vision, speech or balance issues, you need medical care.
You can also get a flu vaccine that can help prevent infection or make an infection less severe. Even though it’s December, it’s not too late! “As long as flu viruses are circulating, getting a flu vaccine can help protect you and those around you from serious illness — protection that matters even more during the busy holiday season,” said National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Medical Director Dr. Robert Hopkins Jr.
