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Sunday, March 15, 2015

Cold and Flu Remedies for Type 2 Diabetics

I received a request from a reader to do a post on acceptable cold and flu remedies for type 2 diabetics. Here is what I found out. I am going to post a couple of links here as I do not give medical advice on my own. Remember I am just a guy who has type 2 diabetes and when I can, I prefer the natural approach rather than prescription drugs.

MY INPUT WOULD BE TO MAKE SURE ANY OVER THE COUNTER MEDS YOU DO TAKE TEMPORARILY, you NEED to read the label carefully to see how it may affect high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes (Type 1 and 2) and other ailments. It is a good idea to have the pharmacist help you pick out a remedy and he or she may or may not suggest you see your regular doctor first.

Dan

Look at this link:

http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/cold-flu-treatments-diabetes

EXCERPTS:

Colds and flu are no fun, and they can be even worse if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Infections, dehydration, and sugar in some medicines can make it harder to manage your blood sugar.
You can take steps to sidestep those problems and stay well.
Get a flu shot every year. It can prevent many types of flu or keep flu viruses from making you so ill. September may be the best month to get this vaccine, because it protects you for about 6 months. But you can get a flu shot any time during flu season.
Also, ask your doctor if you need the pneumonia shot. This vaccine can also help protect you from blood infections and meningitis.

Make a Sick-Day Plan

Everyone gets a cold or flu sometime. Your doctor, nurse, or diabetes educator can help you prepare. They'll probably recommend that you do the following:
  • Check your blood sugar levels every 4 hours, or as often as recommended by your doctor.
  • Test for ketones if your blood sugar level is over 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Call your doctor if it shows any ketones.
  • Take your temperature regularly.
  • Drink one cup of liquid every hour you're awake. Water and broth are good choices.
  • Try to eat 45-50 grams of carbohydrates every 3 to 4 hours. If you can't eat solid food, try clear soup, regular soft drinks, Popsicles, unsweetened applesauce, apple juice, or sports drinks.
  • Keep taking insulin or other diabetes medications, unless your doctor tells you not to.

When to Call Your Doctor

If you have diabetes and also a cold or flu, call your doctor if:
  • Your blood sugar level remains higher than 180 mg/dL.
  • Your blood sugar level remains lower than 70 mg/dL.
  • You cannot keep down solids or liquids.
  • Your temperature is over 101 F.

When to Call Your Doctor

If you have diabetes and also a cold or flu, call your doctor if:
  • Your blood sugar level remains higher than 180 mg/dL.
  • Your blood sugar level remains lower than 70 mg/dL.
  • You cannot keep down solids or liquids.
  • Your temperature is over 101 F.
FROM ANOTHER SITE:

Simple Is Best for Cold Medicines
Keep it simple by choosing an over-the-counter medication based on the types of ingredients proven to relieve your particular symptoms. Often a medication with just one ingredient is all you need to treat your symptoms rather than agents with multiple ingredients. "To choose the correct medication, take time to speak to a pharmacist," says Jerry Meece, R.Ph., CDE, of Gainesville, Texas. "The proper remedies may not only make you feel better, but also cut the length of the illness and possibly save you a trip to the doctor."


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