A common cold, or any illness, can influence your blood sugar levels. When your body faces an infection, it mobilizes various systems to fight off invaders. This natural defensive response can result in temporary shifts in your metabolic balance. This article will explain the physiological mechanisms behind these changes and offer guidance on managing blood sugar during periods of sickness.
How Illness Affects Blood Sugar
Any illness, even a common cold, places stress on the body. This stress triggers a “fight or flight” response. The adrenal glands release hormones, primarily cortisol and adrenaline, into the bloodstream. These stress hormones provide a rapid energy surge to help the body cope with the perceived threat.
Cortisol, a primary stress hormone, significantly impacts blood sugar. It signals the liver to produce more glucose and release it into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate energy availability. Adrenaline works similarly by stimulating the liver to increase glucose output. Both hormones also make it harder for insulin to work effectively, a phenomenon known as insulin resistance. Cells become less responsive to insulin, meaning glucose cannot efficiently move from the blood into the cells for energy or storage.
In addition to cortisol and adrenaline, the pancreas releases glucagon, a hormone that counteracts insulin’s effects. Glucagon primarily triggers the liver to convert its stored glucose (glycogen) into a usable form and release it into the bloodstream, further elevating blood sugar levels. This complex interplay of hormones ensures the body has ample fuel to power its immune response against the illness.
While these mechanisms are part of a normal physiological response, they can lead to significantly elevated blood sugar levels. People without diabetes typically produce more insulin to counteract these effects and maintain glucose balance. However, for individuals with diabetes, the body’s inability to produce enough insulin or effectively use it means blood sugar can rise to dangerously high levels. This stress-induced hyperglycemia is a common occurrence during illness.
Managing Blood Sugar During Illness
Managing blood sugar carefully during illness is important, especially for those with diabetes. Frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels is a primary step, as sickness can make blood sugar unpredictable. It is often recommended to check blood sugar at least every four hours, and sometimes more frequently, including during the night, to track changes effectively. Recording these levels, along with the time of testing and any medications taken, provides valuable information.
Maintaining adequate hydration is important when sick. Dehydration can affect blood sugar levels and complicate illness management. Drinking plenty of water and other sugar-free fluids is advisable to prevent dehydration. If appetite is low, small, frequent meals of easy-to-digest foods can help maintain energy levels without causing drastic blood sugar spikes.
Individuals with diabetes should generally continue taking their prescribed insulin or oral medications, even if they are not eating much. The body still produces glucose during illness, so insulin is still needed. However, medication doses might need adjustment, and it is important to consult a healthcare provider or diabetes team for specific guidance on how to modify doses during sickness. Skipping medications, particularly insulin, can lead to severe complications.
Having simple carbohydrates on hand, such as fruit juice or regular soda, can be useful if blood sugar levels drop too low due to reduced food intake or increased insulin sensitivity. These can help raise blood glucose quickly. Always remember to discuss sick-day management with your healthcare team to create a personalized plan before an illness occurs.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Certain symptoms or situations during illness warrant immediate medical attention. You should contact a healthcare professional if your blood sugar remains persistently high despite following sick-day rules. Other warning signs include signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination or extreme thirst, and persistent nausea or vomiting. Difficulty breathing, confusion, or changes in normal behavior also require urgent evaluation.
For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, the presence of moderate to large ketones in the urine is a critical sign that requires immediate medical consultation, as it indicates a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a severe complication that can lead to coma or death if left untreated. While less common, Type 2 diabetics can also develop a serious condition called Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS), which also necessitates urgent care. Having a pre-established sick-day plan with your healthcare provider is important for knowing when and how to seek help.