Vigilance while virally-afflicted
If you're diabetic, you need to be particularly vigilant if you catch either the cold or flu. Diabetics have a greater risk of serious complications—and hospitalization—from bouts with these viruses.
As you know, flus and colds can throw your system completely out of whack in more ways than one. And when you have an infection, your body can react by raising your blood sugar level—already an issue for diabetics when they're not sick. That's all the more reason to closely monitor your levels for fluctuations.
Another area to monitor is for the presence of ketones in your urine. If they start to increase or remain in your urine for over 12 hours, it's time to call your doctor.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that you drink juice containing about 15 grams of carbs (hourly), ½ cup of apple juice, or one cup of milk to help restore low blood sugar levels.
To add to the misery, if you also have high blood pressure, any OTC flu or cold remedy used for its decongestant can increase your blood pressure as well.
Instead, stick with symptom-specific medications rather than systemic ones. One example is to use nasal spray for a stuffy nose in place of a decongestant.
An important point to remember is to keep up your medications. I know you aren't feeling well, but don't let this detail slip.
And just like anyone else who is sick with a cold or the flu, you need to keep yourself properly hydrated. Stick with water, tea and warm broth.
