Medical expert of the article
New publications
Diabetes and colds
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Diabetes and colds... Relatively healthy people can suffer from colds 2 to 3 times a year, and children with the immune system not yet formed - from 6 to 12 times a year. But if a person has diabetes, a cold, he can get sick more often, and it can complicate the course of diabetes. Then the cold virus (and this is a viral disease) creates additional complications in the body. For example, the level of sugar in the blood begins to rise sharply. That's what you need to know if you suffer from both diabetes and colds.
[Why does the cold increase blood sugar in patients with diabetes?
If you get a cold, there is a big risk that your blood sugar will grow. This happens when your body is overproducing hormones to fight viral infections. For a healthy person, this is normal - hormones can help fight colds, but for a person with diabetes, it makes it difficult to produce insulin in the fight against this disease.
When the blood sugar level becomes too high. It becomes quite difficult to cope with a cold or other disease caused by a virus - a person may have problems such as ketoacidosis, especially if he has a type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Ketoacidosis is the accumulation of too much acid in the blood. This condition is potentially life threatening. If a person has type 2 diabetes, especially if he is already in advanced age, he can develop a serious condition called hyperosmolar hyperglycemia. This condition is close to the so-called diabetic coma. This problem, according to the doctors, is caused by a very high level of sugar in the blood.
How often should you check the blood sugar level for a person with a cold?
If you have a cold, check your blood sugar level at least every three to four hours. If the blood sugar level is too high, immediately consult a doctor - he will recommend you increased doses of insulin.
What can a man eat if he has diabetes and a cold?
If you have diabetes, you can not feel brutally hungry for a cold. But it's important not to starve yourself, but in any case try to eat something. You can choose diabetic foods from your regular menu.
Porridge, yoghurt, fruit juice - you need to include in the menu products with carbohydrates, especially fruits, but not very sweet. If you remain hungry, your blood sugar level may drop dramatically, leading to a weak state.
If the symptoms of a cold in a person with diabetes are supplemented by high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, do not forget to drink a cup of warm, non-carbonated liquid every hour. This will help you avoid dehydration.
If the sugar level in your blood is too high, drink tea with ginger, warm water or mineral water without gas - you can do this gradually, in small sips. If you need to raise blood sugar, drink half a cup of apple juice or ½ cup of tea with ginger. Always check that you eat or drink so that it does not contradict your normal diabetes diet to make sure that these foods and liquids are allowed by the doctor in your situation.
What medications can you drink to people with colds and diabetes?
People with diabetes can not take all medications for colds. It is very important to avoid foods high in sugar. But everyone knows that liquid medicines for colds often contain sugar. Therefore, before taking medication for colds, even innocent at first sight candies, read the label of the drug to determine if there are many sugars in this product. If you doubt your choice, consult a doctor.
People with diabetes when buying such products should remember that their medicines should be inscribed "without sugar."
If you have high blood pressure, you should avoid any cold medicine that contains decongestants, which can increase blood pressure even more. According to the American Heart Association, decongestants should not be used in people with high blood pressure.
How to prevent a cold if a person has diabetes?
Whether a person has diabetes or not, always use modern hygiene products to reduce respiratory infections, such as a cold or flu. Preventing the spread of colds begins with the fact that everyone in your family regularly and gently wash their hands. There are no cold vaccines, but talk to your doctor about giving you flu vaccination every year to avoid getting infected with the flu virus. This virus can add more strain to the body, and then the blood sugar for colds will be difficult to manage on its own.
Colds and diabetes are diseases that can greatly complicate your life. Avoid, at least, colds - through a healthy lifestyle and sport.