H1N1 is all over the news right now, and the dangers of any type of flu are well documented.
What’s not widely known is the increased danger the flu poses for people with diabetes.
“Any infection can cause your blood sugar to rise, which poses a definite risk, especially for people whose diabetes is poorly controlled,” said Dr. Michael Draelos of Draelos Metabolic Center in Edmond.
“These diabetics can not only experience complications, but they usually have a more severe and prolonged battle with the flu itself.”
People with diabetes should definitely get a flu shot, he said, and they should consider getting it early — ideally in September — as it takes longer to become effective in these patients.
They should also get a pneumonia vaccine, since people with diabetes are three times more likely to die from pneumonia as well as flu.
To minimize potential exposure to the flu, Draelos also recommends that diabetics ask family members, close friends and coworkers to get a flu shot too.
Draelos said people with diabetes also need to take extra precautions in choosing over-the-counter medications to treat their flu symptoms.
“Some over-the-counter medications are safe,” he said. “But many, including cough drops and liquid cold and flu medicines, contain added sugar. Look for the words ‘sugar-free’ when you purchase any medications. If you have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist.”
Draelos said that anyone with influenza can experience complications, such as severe nausea and vomiting, dehydration and pneumonia. Other side effects such as rhabdomyolosis (severe muscle damage) and central nervous system side effects are much less common.
If you have diabetes and do get the flu, Draelos said, you should take the following precautions:
• Never completely stop your insulin without checking with your healthcare provider. If you have insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetes and your insulin is stopped, you will likely go into diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous, life-threatening condition. Insulin adjustments may need to be made to compensate for the effects of infection and decreased food intake.
• Frequent blood glucose monitoring and insulin adjustment is important. Check your blood sugar at least every two to four hours, and adjust your insulin dosage accordingly. Remember, when you’re feeling sick from the flu you may not be as aware of fluctuations in your blood sugar level.
• Be sure to eat regularly, preferably foods from your regular eating plan. Everyone needs to eat while they are sick, and this is critical for anyone with a blood sugar problem.
• Always take your insulin with food. Taking insulin without food can cause hypoglycemia (too-low blood sugar), which also carries severe health risks.
• Drink water and other fluids, to avoid dehydration. Ideally try for one cup of fluid every hour. The American Diabetes Association recommends drinking sugar-free drinks such as tea, water and sugar-free ginger ale.
• If your blood sugar drops too low, sip liquids such as grape juice and sports drinks, about 1/2 to 1 cup at a time.
• Check for ketones. If these are too high, it can lead to a coma. Contact your doctor if your levels begin to rise.
Finally, be aware that influenza is a potentially deadly disease for anyone, as it can lead to complications like bacterial pneumonia, severe dehydration, muscle complications and even encephalitis (infection of the brain). It’s especially dangerous for diabetics, so prevention is always your best protection.
The Draelos Metabolic Center is dedicated to helping patients control and live with a variety of chronic metabolic and hormonal disorders, including diabetes, obesity, growth hormone deficiency, pituitary disorders, low testosterone and thyroid disease.
Information: www.draelosmetabolic. com.
