What is the relationship between cold symptoms and high blood sugar?

What is the relationship between cold symptoms and high blood sugar?

High blood sugar does not only occur after eating a meal rich in carbohydrates, but there are many other reasons that can lead to high blood glucose, including catching a cold, because when the body gets sick, it releases certain hormones to fight the infection, which affects... On blood glucose levels, according to a report published by the Eating Well website.

More dangerous

According to the American Endocrine Society, when a person gets sick, his body launches a series of responses to fight the infection.

As for diabetics, high blood sugar during an infection can be more dangerous because the body is already having difficulty controlling blood sugar.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with decreased insulin production and high blood sugar, the patient also becomes at increased risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during a cold or infection.

According to the results of a study, published in 2023 in the journal Annals of Medicine & Emergency, the results show that infection is one of the most common causes of diabetes complications, as diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the body does not have enough insulin to transfer glucose from the bloodstream to the bloodstream. cells, so it turns to fat for energy. Breaking down fat for energy produces ketones, which can become dangerous when too many are produced too quickly.

An over-the-counter test may be used to check for ketones in the urine or a meter to test ketone levels in the blood. If a person has diabetes, the CDC recommends that they be tested every four to six hours during illness to make sure they are within the normal range, and that they see a doctor immediately if the patient is concerned that they may have ketoacidosis or high ketone levels, because diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition Emergency medical.

Tips during colds

To prevent high or low blood sugar associated with a cold, the following strategies can be followed:
• Check your blood sugar regularly: If a diabetic has a cold or infection, his or her doctor will often recommend monitoring their blood glucose levels closely. This can help you take action, such as adjusting meals or snacks. If the blood sugar level is very high or low, you must go to the emergency room immediately.

• Keep medications on hand: If a patient takes diabetes medication or insulin, they should make sure they have enough on hand in case they catch a cold. (It may be difficult to get a refill when a person is not feeling well.)

• Eat regular meals: Although appetite may decrease when a person is sick, skipping meals may cause his blood sugar to drop too low.

Maintaining nutrition also gives the body the energy needed to fight infection.

• Availability of easy-to-prepare foods: The CDC recommends drinking or eating 50 grams of carbohydrates every four hours when a person is sick.

Cooking and eating while sick can be difficult, so it is recommended to keep nutritious, low-preparation foods on hand.

Some examples include canned soup, instant oatmeal, crackers, cheese, bread, nut butter, juice, broth, ice cream, milk, yogurt, or even regular soda to help prevent low blood sugar.

• Drink enough water: Drinking fluids is important when a person is sick. Dehydration can also cause high blood sugar.

•Practice walking when improving: When a person begins to feel better, he or she can try gentle forms of movement.

According to a study, conducted in 2022 and published by the Journal of Sports Medicine, it was found that low-intensity walking after eating helps lower blood sugar.

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