TYPE 2 diabetes can increase the risk of getting the flu, and if sufferers of the blood sugar condition catch the winter bug, it could cause serious health complications. This is what to do if you have diabetes and fall ill with the flu.
Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition where the level of sugar in the blood is too high.
It’s dangerous because if not treated properly it can cause serious complications involving the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves.
People with diabetes are also more at risk of getting the flu.
Although most healthy people recover from the flu within a couple of weeks, the effects are worse in people with diabetes.
Catching the flu can also increase the risk of developing other diabetes related complications.
“Winter conditions can be very bad for your health, especially if you’re living with diabetes,” said Diabetes UK.
“Flu is serious, and can make your blood sugar go all over the place.”
“If your blood sugar isn’t within target, the effects of flu can be dragged out and increase your risk of developing serious complications.”
If you have diabetes and catch the flu, Diabetes UK advises going to see your doctor or nurse as soon as possible, as they will be able to tell you what to do.
If unwell, stop taking SGLT2 inhibitor tablets, but continue taking any other diabetes treatments.
SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the amount of glucose being absorbed in the kidneys so it is passed out in the urine, while also reducing the amount of glucose in the blood.
It’s important to keep warm, both indoors and outdoors, ensuring heating in the house is at least 18 degrees.
As the flu can cause blood sugar to fluctuate, it may be necessary to test it more often than normal.
It’s also vital to keep fluid intake up and eat, even if you don’t feel like it.
This is because some medications require eating regular meals, so try to eat a little and often.
Carbohydrate-based drinks, like milk or juices, may help manage blood sugar alongside any medication.
“If your symptoms don’t improve, you need to see your GP. Don’t waste time. Leaving things until they get worse might lead to more serious infections,” said the NHS.
In order to prevent the flu in the first place, people with diabetes are advised to get the flu jab.
It’s recommended to get the flu jab before winter starts, every year.
The flu jab is available on the NHS for free, for people with diabetes.
SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the amount of glucose being absorbed in the kidneys so it is passed out in the urine, while also reducing the amount of glucose in the blood.
It’s important to keep warm, both indoors and outdoors, ensuring heating in the house is at least 18 degrees.
As the flu can cause blood sugar to fluctuate, it may be necessary to test it more often than normal.
It’s also vital to keep fluid intake up and eat, even if you don’t feel like it.
This is because some medications require eating regular meals, so try to eat a little and often.
Carbohydrate-based drinks, like milk or juices, may help manage blood sugar alongside any medication.
“If your symptoms don’t improve, you need to see your GP. Don’t waste time. Leaving things until they get worse might lead to more serious infections,” said the NHS.
In order to prevent the flu in the first place, people with diabetes are advised to get the flu jab.
It’s recommended to get the flu jab before winter starts, every year.
The flu jab is available on the NHS for free, for people with diabetes.
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