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The Flu, Pneumonia, and Type 2 Diabetes

The Flu and Pneumonia
The Flu and Pneumonia

How does high blood sugar affect fighting off illness?

High blood sugar changes the way your body deals with everyday things. One important change is that you are less able to fight off illness. Even a minor “bug” that a healthy person could recover from within days can cause serious problems for you.

Why should I be extra careful to avoid the flu and pneumonia?

People with type 2 diabetes who get the flu can have problems controlling their blood sugar and are at risk for flu-related complications, such as pneumonia.

High blood sugar affects your ability to fight off illness. Pneumonia can be serious for anyone, but people with diabetes are 3 times more likely to die with flu and pneumonia. For these reasons, it is very important for you to avoid getting sick.

What can I do to help prevent the flu?

  • Avoid close contact with sick people

What should I talk to my doctor about?

  • Which symptoms require you to call your doctor
  • How often you should check your blood sugar. Because illness can raise your blood sugar, you will probably need to check it more often than usual
  • If you need to test your urine for ketones when you are sick. Ketones are acids that can build up in your blood when your body does not have enough insulin. This condition is called diabetic ketoacidosis and can be dangerous
  • If you need to make any changes to your medicine when you are sick
  • What over-the-counter drugs or vitamins you would like to take to help you feel better. Some of these drugs contain sugar or can raise your blood sugar in other ways
  • What to eat when sick
  • Whether the flu and pneumonia vaccines are appropriate for you 

Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • You are sick or have a fever for a couple of days and aren’t getting better
  • You have been vomiting or having diarrhea for more than 6 hours
  • Your chest hurts
  • You are having trouble breathing
  • Your breath smells fruity
  • Your lips or tongue are dry and cracked
  • Your blood sugar levels are higher than 240 mg/dL even though you have taken your medication as directed in your sick-day plan
  • You take pills or insulin for your diabetes and your blood sugar goes over 240 mg/dL before meals and stays there for more than 24 hours
  • You aren’t certain what to do to take care of yourself