What to know about diabetes and the flu

The flu is never a pleasant experience, but catching it can have more serious implications if you have diabetes. The viral infection does a number on your blood glucose level, which may make it harder for you to shake off the bug. To keep you healthy and safe this flu season, we asked diabetes expert Jodi Lavin-Tompkins, MSN, RN, CDE, BC-ADM, a spokesperson for the American Association of Diabetes Educators, what she wants everyone with diabetes to know.

Q: What makes the flu so dangerous?
A: Diabetes hampers the immune system’s ability to fight infections. That doesn’t necessarily make you more prone to getting the flu, but once you have it, you may be more at risk for flu complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinus or ear infections. The flu also makes it harder to control your blood sugar.

Q: Why is that the case?
A: Any illness or infection puts additional stress on the body, which usually causes the blood glucose level to go up. In addition, when someone is ill, they may not feel like eating or drinking as they normally would. This puts them at risk of having low blood sugar and of becoming dehydrated, and those with diabetes may not understand how to adjust their diabetes medication when they get the flu. Ideally, your doctor or diabetes educator will have provided you with a sick day plan, that is, a series of steps to follow when you’re feeling under the weather.

Q: What are some smart sick day strategies?
A: It’s important that you continue to follow your treatment regimen. Drink plenty of water and do not stop taking your diabetes medications. If you aren’t sure if you need to adjust your medications when you get sick, contact your health-care team. It’s also important that you monitor your blood sugar more often. If you have type 1 diabetes, you may need to check for ketones. As much as you can, try to eat your normal amount of carbohydrates. I work with my patients to come up with a list of foods and drinks to keep on hand during flu season, since the foods and drinks they may tolerate when they are sick may be different from their normal intake.

Q: Is there any way to avoid the flu?
A: Yes! Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways for you to stay healthy and keep your blood sugar in your target range. Flu vaccines have a long, established safety record in people with diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone older than six months get vaccinated yearly.

Q: When’s the best time to get vaccinated?
A: It takes about two weeks after the flu vaccine for the body to build immunity and provide protection against an influenza viral infection. The best time to get a flu shot is as soon as it is offered early in the fall. This way you’re protected before the flu season really gets underway. But if you missed that early window, it’s still a good idea to get vaccinated at any time during flu season.

Q: Are there other ways to dodge the flu?
A: In addition to getting your flu shot early, be sure to stay hydrated and wash your hands frequently. As much as possible, do your best to avoid close contact with someone who’s ill. I think it’s also a good idea to plan ahead for the worst. Have a sick day plan in place. Make sure you have plenty of blood sugar testing supplies on hand and know what symptoms warrant a call to your health-care team.