Cold and Flu Treatments for Diabetes

Catching a cold or the flu is no fun. It can be even worse if you have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Learn more now about cold and flu treatments for diabetes so you'll be ready when you start to feel the aches, pains, and sniffles associated with colds and flu.

How Colds and Flu Affect Diabetes

Colds and flu themselves, as well as cold and flu treatments, can all make it harder to manage diabetes. Here are some reasons why:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea all make your blood glucose levels rise.
• Infections can make your blood glucose levels rise.
• Becoming dehydrated from not being able to eat can make your blood glucose levels too low.
• When under excess stress, such as during an illness, your body creates too many ketones, a waste product that means your body is not using glucose well. This is more likely if you have type 1 diabetes.
• Some over-the-counter cold and flu treatments contain sugar, which can make your blood glucose levels higher.
• Flu can lead to pneumonia and other serious health problems. People with diabetes are three times more likely to die from these conditions than the general public.

The Best Cold and Flu Treatment for Diabetes: A Flu Shot

Prevention is the best medicine whether you have diabetes or not. You can prevent many types of flu -- or keep flu viruses from making you so ill -- by getting a flu shot every year. September may be the best month to do it, as the shot protects you for about six months.

While you're at it, ask your doctor if you should have a pneumonia shot. Most likely, you will only need it one time. If you are over 65, though, you may need a second one. Ask your doctor about this. The pneumonia shot can also help protect you from blood infections and meningitis.

Which Cold and Flu Treatments for Diabetes Are OK?

The main problem for people with diabetes is that some cold and flu drugs, such as cough syrups, may contain sugar. Have your doctor or pharmacist recommend over-the-counter medications that are safe for you.

Have a Sick-Day Plan if You Have Diabetes

Before you even get sick with a cold or flu, have a sick-day plan if you have diabetes. Your doctor, nurse, or diabetes educator can help you create a sick-day plan. Your plan should include these parts:

• Check your blood glucose levels every four hours, or as often as recommended by your doctor.
• Test for ketones if your blood glucose level is over 240 mg/dL. Call your doctor if any ketones are present.
• Take your temperature regularly.
• Drink one cup of liquid every hour you are awake. Water and broth are good choices.
• Try to eat 45-50 grams of carbohydrate every three to four hours. If you cannot eat something solid, try clear soup, regular soft drinks, Popsicles, unsweetened applesauce, apple juice, or sports drinks.
• Do not stop taking insulin or other diabetes medications unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of cold and flu medications that are safe for people with diabetes.