Being Sick with a Cold or the Flu AND Diabetes

Since it's that time of year, and some pretty rough stuff is going around, I figured this kind of post could be useful... Especially since the doctor offices and pharmacies in my area have been slammed for weeks with no sign of it letting up any time soon, and I've become infected *zombie groan, raspy breathing*.

Being with a cold or flu is no fun for anybody, when you add being Diabetic into the mix... Well, it complicates things, to say the least.

It's a good idea to have a game plan hashed out with your Endo(or GP) for such things as the common cold or Flu. Even if it's been a while and you seem to be immune to what's going around, or you're not sick yet, talk to your doc about it beforehand so you have an idea of what they would like you to do just incase you can't get ahold of them when the inevitable happens(witching hour, anyone?).

When any virus strikes, it can throw BGs all over the place(UP or down), so testing is an uber importante key to keeping things in control(heh... kinda). Many OTC medications can and will affect you're blood sugars, whether upping them or downing them(YDMV), thus it is important to know which ones your doctor recommends for you specifically, beforehand preferably, and what their opinion is to how it might affect you(no guarantees it'll stick to the script, but having direction helps). While sick, testing more frequently helps you know where you're at and how any medications you've taken might affect your BGs - even if you don't feel you have the energy to do it, it's important! Also, some medications might affect the accuracy of CGM readings(a few meters, too), so it's best to test and not rely solely on your CGM. Get a pregame plan set up with your doc about what to do if you're running higher or lower than your normal range, they might hook you up with some basal or carb/correction ratio adjustments just for the special occasion.

As with any virus, especially if a fever is involved, dehydration becomes a real possibility - even if you don't quite feel up to it, it's important to get as much fluids as possible into your body(unless due to other health issues your doc states other wise). Sugar-free sports drinks, like Powerade Zero, are often highly recommended because they also contain electrolytes, but sometimes the sugared variety is also good to have on hand, too. Bouillon Cubes and chicken broth are great standbys for sick days, as are popsicles, honey, and Jell-O. Coffee, believe it or not, can be good for you when you're sick and it's trying to take hold in your chest, as it's a natural broncial dilator - unless your doc says otherwise, try to enjoy your joe. Unless you're allergic, Vicks on the bottom of your feet can help, too(just remember to put on socks after applying it).

Ketone Strips, preferably the blood kind like the Precision Xtra, are highly recommended to have on hand, as well. With any viral infection, the body can for various reasons decide to cannibalize itself, so it's important to test your ketone levels, especially if your viral infection is in any way preventing you from eating and drinking which can provoke such an onslaught. Talk to your doc to see what range they want you to call in about or go in for.

Getting rest while infected is vital, the body needs to be able to divert all power necessary to fight off the invaders, so taking time off is recommended(you don't want to be the zombie bitting and infecting others either).

Even with being prepped for a cold, find out what time frame your doctor recommends for you to be seen during your cold if decides to linger or worsen. If your cold seems more than just the normal run of the mill sniffles, call and get an appointment. If you have a high fever(102 or higher for adults), wheezing, chest pain, dizziness, be seen ASAP.