Type 2 Diabetes – Diabetes And The Flu!

Getting the flu is no fun for anyone, but it can be especially dangerous for someone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. This is because getting sick in any way can wreak havoc on a diabetic’s blood sugar levels. In addition, being sick can affect how much and how often you eat. It can also affect what you are able to eat. If you have a cold and sore throat, you may not be able to eat normally which can greatly affect your blood sugar levels.

Having diabetes makes people more susceptible to severe cases of the flu because of a weakened immune system. This is one of the reasons why many doctors recommend anyone diagnosed with diabetes get the influenza vaccination each year to give them that extra layer of protection over the potentially deadly illness. Just because you have diabetes, this does not mean you shouldn’t have the same vaccinations as other people. The time to get a flu shot is usually between October and the middle of November… before the flu season actually begins.

Knowing the symptoms of the flu can also help you to identify it early so that you can go get treatment from your doctor. Some of the symptoms include:

fever,

body aches,

headache,

chills,

fatigue,

cough,

runny or stuffy nose,

sore throat, and

some people might experience diarrhea or vomiting.

When you’re sick with a cold or the flu, it’s very important to do everything you can to rest and take it easy. You should continue to take any diabetic medications or insulin that your doctor has instructed you to take… but contact your healthcare provider to see if you need to make any adjustments in your medication or insulin. You should also make sure to continue testing your blood sugar levels every four hours so that you can keep track of how they’re doing while you’re sick.

You should be drinking plenty of fluids and eating as much as you normally would be. If anything, at least try to have liquids and soft foods that are balanced in sugar. You should also check your temperature each morning and evening to make sure that you don’t have a fever as that can be a sign of infection.

If you find that you are losing weight without trying or feeling too sick to eat like you normally would, contact your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room. This is also true if you’re having severe diarrhea or are unable to keep down food. Having diabetes can make you more prone to other issues, so don’t wait until it’s too late to see someone. If you get a temperature over 101A� or your blood sugar is dropping too low or going too high, you should also seek emergency assistance.