When people with diabetes get sick, their blood sugar levels can rise. This is because infections stimulate the body to release the hormone epinephrine. One of epinephrine's functions is to provide the body with extra energy in the form of glucose (sugar). If this hormone increases too much, it can raise blood sugar levels and increase the need for insulin so the body can absorb and use sugar better.

During illness, the pancreas often has difficulty producing enough insulin to meet the body's needs. At this point, the body switches to using fat as fuel. The fat metabolism process stimulates the release of ketones, which increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Symptoms include thirst or dry mouth, frequent urination, high blood sugar, fatigue, abdominal pain, dry skin, and difficulty breathing.

To reduce the risk of complications from illnesses like colds, the flu, or viral infections, people with diabetes should get adequate rest and keep the following in mind.

Take medications regularly: If you are taking insulin or other diabetes medications, you should maintain your normal dosage. Self-medicating can make blood sugar levels harder to control. When seeing a doctor and buying cold or flu medicine, consult with your doctor for advice on how to combine medications effectively.

Eat a healthy diet: Your diet during this time needs to serve two purposes: supporting blood sugar control and providing adequate nutrients to boost your immune system and help you recover quickly. Try to eat as you normally would. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, prioritize soft or liquid options.

Focus on carbohydrate-rich snacks to stay full and avoid hypoglycemia due to hunger. Good foods for people with diabetes who are sick include broth or meat broth, dry toast, instant cooked cereals, pudding, milk, regular soft drinks, crackers, and fruit. Eat plenty of eggs and lean meat, while avoiding saturated fats, processed foods, fast food, and greasy foods.

Check your blood sugar: Check your blood sugar at least 4 times a day instead of twice a day as usual. Because blood sugar fluctuates erratically when you're sick, detecting these changes helps you make timely adjustments and prevent complications.

Drink plenty of fluids: Replenish fluids for your body and avoid dehydration, which can affect blood sugar levels. Drink about two liters of water a day, including plain water, juices, broth, or soup, taking small sips every 15 minutes to maintain fluid levels. Limit carbonated drinks, sports drinks, bottled juices, coffee, and alcohol.

People with diabetes who are sick should see a doctor if they experience signs such as blood sugar levels above 240 mg/dL or below 54 mg/dL, diarrhea for more than 6 hours, brain fog accompanied by severe fatigue, fever above 40 degrees Celsius, difficulty breathing, or fruity-smelling breath.

Anh Chi (Very Well Health)