An increase in blood sugar levels does not only occur after consuming a carb-rich meal; there are many other factors that can lead to elevated glucose levels in the blood, including having a cold. When the body is sick, it releases certain hormones to fight the infection, impacting blood glucose levels, according to a report published on Eating Well. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, when a person falls ill, their body initiates a series of responses to combat the infection. For diabetics, elevated blood sugar levels during an illness can be even more dangerous since their bodies already struggle to manage blood glucose levels.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with decreased insulin production and increased blood sugar levels, the patient is also at heightened risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during colds or infections. A study published in 2023 in the Annals of Medicine & Emergency shows that infections are one of the most common causes of diabetes complications. DKA occurs when the body doesn't have enough insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream into cells, leading it to turn to fats for energy. The breakdown of fats for energy produces ketones, which can become dangerous if produced too quickly and in large amounts.
Over-the-counter tests can be used to check for ketones in urine or a device can measure ketone levels in the blood. If a person has diabetes, the CDC recommends testing every four to six hours during illness to ensure levels remain normal and advises consulting a doctor immediately if there are concerns about the possibility of ketoacidosis or elevated ketone levels, as diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency.
To prevent blood sugar spikes or drops associated with having a cold, the following strategies can be employed:
- **Regular blood sugar monitoring:** If a diabetic patient has a cold or infection, their doctor often recommends closely monitoring glucose levels, which can help take necessary actions, such as adjusting meal plans. If blood sugar is too high or low, emergency assistance should be sought immediately.
- **Keep medications handy:** If the patient is on diabetes medication or insulin, they should ensure they have enough readily available in case they catch a cold (as obtaining medication can be difficult when feeling unwell).
- **Eat regular meals:** Although appetite may decrease when ill, skipping meals can lead to significantly low blood sugar levels. Maintaining nutrition provides the energy needed to fight infections.
- **Availability of easy-to-prepare foods:** The CDC advises consuming 50 grams of carbohydrates every four hours while unwell. Cooking and eating during illness can be challenging, so it is recommended to keep nutritious and low-effort foods on hand. Examples include canned soup, instant oats, crackers, cheese, bread, nut butter, juice, broth, ice cream, milk, yogurt, or even regular soda to help prevent low blood sugar.
- **Drink enough water:** Staying hydrated is important when unwell, as dehydration can also lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
- **Gentle movement when improving:** As a person starts to feel better, they can try gentle forms of movement. According to a study conducted in 2022 and published in the Journal of Sports Medicine, low-intensity walking after meals helps lower blood sugar levels.
