Diabetes and Flu

If you have diabetes, it's important to avoid getting flu. Flu, or influenza, is a viral infection of the respiratory system and muscles. While everyone has a chance of catching flu, having diabetes makes it harder to fight off viruses that cause flu. Flu and other viral infections can create added stress in your body, which can affect your blood sugar levels and increase the chance of serious health complications.

What are symptoms of flu?

Flu symptoms usually come on abruptly and may include the following:

• fever (usually high)
• severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes
• generalized weakness
• ill appearance with warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
• headache
• dry cough
• sore throat and watery discharge from the nose

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Flu Symptoms: What You Might Feel.

What medicines can I take for flu with diabetes?

People with diabetes can take some over-the-counter medications to ease flu symptoms. But make sure you read the medication's label. Also, avoid products that have ingredients that are high in sugar. Liquid cold and flu medicines often contain added sugar.

You should stay away from the traditional "high sugar" cough drops and liquid cough medicines. These medicines used to treat flu symptoms tend to be high in sugar. Look for words "sugar-free" when purchasing medications to treat flu symptoms.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Flu Treatment: The Basics.

How often should I check my blood glucose with flu?

According to the American Diabetes Association, if you get the flu, it's important to check, check, and re-check blood glucose during the illness. Because you're ill and feel awful anyway, you may not be aware of your blood sugar soaring high or spiraling low.

The ADA recommends checking blood sugar at least every 3 to 4 hours and reporting any changes to your doctor immediately. You may need more insulin if your blood sugar is too high.

In addition, check for ketones when you are ill. If your ketones get too high, you can go into a coma. If your ketone test is high, call your doctor immediately. Your diabetes doctor can explain what you must do to prevent serious complications.

What can I eat with diabetes and flu?

With flu, you may feel really crummy and not hungry or thirsty at all. Still, with diabetes you must eat something regularly to self-manage your blood sugar and your diabetes.

Ideally, select foods from your regular meal plan. Eat food with about 15 grams of carbs every hour or so when ill. Some examples include a slice of toast, 3/4 cup of frozen yogurt, or 1 cup of soup.