A cold or any acute illness can raise blood sugar levels, a phenomenon that warrants attention, particularly for individuals managing diabetes. The body’s response to fighting an infection significantly impacts glucose regulation. When a person is unwell, even with a minor cold, the immune system creates a challenging environment for blood sugar control. Understanding this link is the first step in safely managing a common illness, which can otherwise lead to dangerously high blood glucose levels, known as hyperglycemia.
The Body’s Stress Response and Glucose
The body mounts a defense against infection by initiating an immune response that triggers the release of specific stress hormones. Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline (epinephrine) flood the bloodstream as part of this protective mechanism. These chemical messengers provide the body with a quick and sustained energy source to fuel the immune system’s fight.
These stress hormones act directly on the liver, signaling it to increase the production and release of stored glucose into the circulation. This influx provides immediate fuel, but it simultaneously makes the body’s cells temporarily less responsive to insulin. This phenomenon, termed temporary insulin resistance, means existing insulin cannot effectively move glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells for energy.
The combination of increased glucose production by the liver and reduced cellular sensitivity to insulin results in a significant rise in blood sugar. This effect occurs even if food intake is minimal, highlighting why illness elevates glucose levels independent of diet. The body prioritizes fighting the infection, leading to a temporary disruption in its usual metabolic balance.
Essential Sick Day Management Strategies
Managing blood sugar when a cold strikes requires a proactive approach to monitoring and treatment adjustments. It is necessary to check blood glucose levels far more frequently than usual, typically every two to four hours, until the levels return to a stable, target range. Maintaining a detailed record of these readings is important, as it provides a clear picture for consultation with a healthcare provider.
Hydration is a paramount concern during illness, as high blood sugar promotes fluid loss through increased urination. Individuals should aim to consume a cup of fluid every hour to prevent dehydration. If blood glucose levels are elevated, choosing non-carbohydrate containing liquids such as water, diet soda, or broth is the recommended approach.
If keeping food down is difficult, maintaining carbohydrate intake is important to prevent the body from breaking down fat for energy. Small, frequent sips of carbohydrate-containing fluids, such as sports drinks or juice, may be necessary if blood sugar is low or stable. Continue taking insulin or other diabetes medications; however, a doctor should be consulted immediately for guidance on increasing insulin doses to counteract the effects of stress hormones.
For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, or those with Type 2 diabetes who use insulin, test for ketones if blood glucose is persistently high (typically above 240 mg/dL or 13.3 mmol/L). Ketones are a byproduct of fat breakdown, and their presence indicates a severe lack of insulin. Detecting ketones early can prevent the progression to a life-threatening complication.
Recognizing Signs of Serious Complications
Certain symptoms during a cold or illness can indicate a serious, life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention. Persistent vomiting or an inability to keep fluids down for more than four hours is a serious red flag, as it significantly increases the risk of dangerous dehydration. Sustained unresponsiveness to treatment, such as blood sugar levels that remain high despite following the sick day plan, also signals an emergency.
The presence of moderate or high levels of ketones in the urine or blood indicates that the body is in distress, potentially progressing toward diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Symptoms of severe dehydration, such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing, must be addressed immediately. These signs suggest a failure of the body’s compensatory mechanisms and the need for urgent professional care.