Cold & Flu Season Tips for Diabetics | Tennessee Valley Urology Center

The cold and flu season is a bummer for everyone, but it’s even worse for people with diabetes. Viral infections, dehydration, and even the sugar in some cold and flu medicines can make it challenging to manage your blood sugar. The Tennessee Valley Urology Center has put together some suggestions to help you get through the season as healthily as possible.

Get a flu shot every year.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot annually. The flu vaccine can prevent you from contacting many flu virus or keep flu viruses from making you quite so ill.

September is often considered the best month to get a flu shot since it protects you for about 6 months.

When you get the flu shot, ask your physician if you also need a pneumonia shot since it can help protect you from blood infections and meningitis.

Use cold and flu medicines with caution.
Diabetic people need to watch out for the sugar content of cold and flu medications. It’s important to ask your physician or pharmacist to recommend over-the-counter drugs that are safe for diabetics, and always take your medications as directed.

Have a sick day plan in place.
It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about any diabetic preparations you need to make ahead of the cold and flu season. In addition to staying home from work or school, they’ll recommend you do certain things like:

Check your blood sugar levels every 4 hours.

Test for ketones if your blood sugar level is over 240 mg/dL, and call your doctor if you test positive.

Take your temperature regularly.

Drink a cup of liquid (water or broth) every hour that you’re awake.

Count your carbs and eat 35-50 grams of carbohydrates every 4 hours. If you can’t eat solid food, try clear soup, popsicles, unsweetened applesauce, apple juice, or sports drinks.

Take all of your regular medications as directed unless your doctor tells you not to.

This cold and flu season, Tennessee Valley Urology Center is here for you! Please let us know if you have any questions about our services and to schedule your next urology appointment. Visit our website today!