When the body experiences illness, even a common cold, it can trigger a physiological response that affects various systems, including blood sugar regulation. This response is a natural defense mechanism, providing energy to fight infection or recover from injury. Understanding how illness influences blood sugar is important for everyone, as it can temporarily elevate glucose even in individuals without diabetes.
The Body’s Stress Response to Illness
Illness, injury, or infection activate the body’s natural “fight or flight” response. This activation leads to the release of several stress hormones into the bloodstream.
Cortisol plays a significant role by signaling the liver to produce and release more stored glucose into the bloodstream. It also promotes gluconeogenesis, where the liver creates new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This sustained elevation of cortisol can also contribute to temporary insulin resistance.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) and glucagon are other hormones released during this stress response. Adrenaline stimulates the liver to release more glucose and inhibits insulin’s action. Glucagon directly increases glucose production and release from the liver.
Inflammation, part of the immune system’s response to illness, also contributes to elevated blood sugar. The body produces cytokines during inflammation, which can temporarily make cells less sensitive to insulin’s effects.
Effects of Illness on Blood Sugar
The impact of this stress response on blood sugar varies with an individual’s health. For people without diabetes, the body compensates by producing extra insulin. While a temporary rise in blood sugar, known as stress hyperglycemia, can occur, levels usually return to normal once the illness resolves.
Individuals with diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, face a greater challenge. Their bodies may not produce enough insulin to counteract the effects of stress hormones, or their cells may already have reduced sensitivity to insulin. This can lead to a more substantial and prolonged elevation in blood sugar. Common infections like colds, the flu, or urinary tract infections can trigger substantial blood sugar fluctuations.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar during illness can lead to serious complications for people with diabetes. These include diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) for those with Type 1 diabetes, and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) primarily for those with Type 2 diabetes.
Strategies for Managing Blood Sugar While Sick
Managing blood sugar during illness involves several practical steps, important for everyone, especially those with diabetes. Drinking plenty of sugar-free fluids like water or broth is crucial. Adequate rest supports recovery and helps stabilize blood sugar.
If eating is difficult, small, frequent meals of easily digestible foods can help maintain energy. If solid foods are not tolerated, carbohydrate-containing fluids like clear soups or diluted fruit juice can provide necessary calories. Continue prescribed medications, but consult a doctor before making changes.
For individuals with diabetes, consistent blood sugar monitoring is important, often every two to four hours. Ketone testing is also recommended, especially for Type 1 diabetes or with high blood sugar. Insulin doses may need adjustment, sometimes requiring increases or reductions. A personalized sick-day plan with a healthcare team can improve outcomes.
Signs You Need Medical Help
Recognizing when high blood sugar requires immediate medical attention is important. Persistent high blood sugar readings, like those consistently above 300 mg/dL, signal a need for professional evaluation. Signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, decreased urination, or extreme thirst, indicate a worsening condition.
Other concerning symptoms include persistent nausea, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain. Difficulty breathing, confusion, disorientation, or unusual sleepiness require urgent care. A fruity odor on the breath is a warning sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
For individuals with diabetes, moderate to large amounts of ketones in urine or blood, especially with high blood sugar or other symptoms, necessitate immediate medical consultation. Prompt action is crucial, as DKA and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) can develop quickly and lead to severe health consequences.