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Posted 9/4/2014 7:00 AM (GMT 0)
I know that people with diabetes are more likely to develop complications from the flu like pneumonia and then need to be hospitalized more than people without diabetes, according to what the CDC has to say about it. But, I've been wondering, with flu season right around the corner, how does diabetes affect how I respond to catching the flu?

The CDC states that, "being sick can cause changes in your blood sugars", has anyone experienced that?
Posted 9/4/2014 11:49 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HealingWell! Illness and stress can raise blood sugar because of the way our bodies react. This is why we have to be vigilant when we are sick.

Can you introduce yourself?
Posted 9/4/2014 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome BJONES, I get the flu shot every year just be on the safe side if I do get sick my sugar rises also had a bout with pneumonia after one hospital a couple of years back and would not want to go through that again
Posted 9/22/2014 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
I'm type 1. I don't think I contract a flu any more than anyone else does. However, when I get the flu, my blood glucose always spikes and I need to take much more insulin to keep it at the same level compared to what I would take when healthy. I have not had serious complications from a flu.

One time I had this lump in my throat for months, but I think that was because of the specific flu being like that. I was told the otherwise healthy nurses were sick home coughing blood at the same time, but I didn't have it quite that bad - no idea what kind of super-bug that was, but it was nasty. So, no complications here from a flu yet.

This year I've had several small flus, but I have also skipped the flu shot for 2 years in a row. I got lazy. I'll most likely go and take the shot this year.
Posted 9/22/2014 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Anytime I get sick...even a simple cold...my blood sugar rises. It's frustrating to me because nothing seems to help me get the numbers back down until I get better. I don't get sick very often because I'm a real hand-washer. I also keep an anti-bacterial liquid in my car and use it on my hands after shopping and before I drive home. It does help a lot, I think.

I do get a flu shot every year. One year I missed getting it because my husband died suddenly and it wasn't at the top of my list of priorities. Well, I DID get the flu and it was horrible. I was practically out of it for days and was quite ill for ten days. I learned my lesson by that and always get the shot.

Hope everyone stays well this fall and winter!

Sherrine
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