Cold and flu season arrives every year, taking down quite a large portion of the population. Whether the flu lays you flat for a few days or a cold acts as a minor nuisance during work hours, infection is inevitable, and you will likely encounter at least one bout of infection per year.

For most, these little infections are not cause for concern and present more of an irritation than a problematic illness. For diabetics, however, even a cold can be immensely troublesome.

Infection and the Body

Infections work in different ways, depending on the source. A virus, for instance, cannot readily be done away with and must simply run its course. In the meantime, symptoms can be medicated, but the cause itself cannot be eradicated. Conversely, a bacterial infection requires the use of medication to wipe off the intruder. Fungal infections, similarly, must be treated rather than allowing them wrecking havoc.

Infection in the body, regardless of its source, can readily lead to inflammation and hormonal fluctuations. This means that your blood sugar may not respond to food and other stimuli the way it does when you are in a healthy state.

Although a cold is not going to prove a fatal condition due to the presence of diabetes, you do run the risk of developing other diabetes complications secondary to uncontrolled blood sugar or increased inflammation.

Infection and Diabetes

Although the effects of infection or illness can be severe or even catastrophic, the good news is that your chances of becoming ill are greatly reduced when you make healthy, wholesome lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and properly managing your condition.

Diabetes patients should keep track of their symptoms and any behavioral changes they might feel during an illness. Resting and taking it easy are both absolutely pivotal for those with diabetes. You may be tempted to continue your exercise regimen or go on a dinner you’d already committed to, but because your blood sugar may be unstable and unpredictable during illness, the best course of action is to stay home and work on getting over your illness.

The medication you take for your diabetes, too, will affect your condition, as certain diabetes medications may counteract some types of antibiotics. The best course of action in diabetes and sickness is prevention. Managing your blood sugar on a daily basis, taking a daily probiotic, and resting when you feel you need to will keep you worry-free the next time cold and flu season comes around.