Cold & flu advice when you have diabetes
Like anybody else, people with diabetes get colds and flu. Right now, while you are cold-free, take a few minutes to learn about what you need to do to recover as quickly as possible.
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Check your blood sugar regularly
Because you feel bad with the cold or flu, you might not notice you are feeling the effects of high or low blood sugar. Stick with your test schedule.
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Check your ketones
Ketones are caused when the body starts to use body fat as a source of energy. Because you might not be taking your insulin or eating regularly, your ketone levels might increase. Some blood tests include this check but if your own tests don't, ask your doctor or a pharmacist how to check. If your levels are moderate or high, call your doctor immediately.
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Take your insulin
Stick to your regular schedule.
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Eat even when you don't feel like it
You need plenty of fluids when you have a cold or flu. With diabetes, you need food, too. Every hour have some liquid and some carbohydrates. Small amounts go a long way toward keeping your blood sugar at the right levels.
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Watch out for cold medicines
Some cold medicines have ingredients that increase blood sugar. Your doctor or pharmacist can direct you to medicines that include little or no added sugars or that are not known to raise sugar levels in the blood.
