Viral infections often affect blood sugar levels. When the body encounters a virus, its immune response often leads to temporary changes in glucose management. Understanding this connection is important for anyone, especially those managing pre-existing health conditions, to know what to expect and how to respond.
How Viral Infections Influence Blood Sugar
A viral infection triggers a stress response, releasing hormones like cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine. These hormones prepare the body to fight the virus. Epinephrine stimulates the breakdown of stored glucose (glycogenolysis) and the creation of new glucose molecules (gluconeogenesis) in the liver, directly increasing blood sugar.
Cortisol also contributes to elevated blood sugar by promoting glucose production and reducing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Simultaneously, the immune system produces small proteins called cytokines to signal and coordinate the attack on the virus. These cytokines can induce temporary insulin resistance in tissues like muscle and liver, making it harder for cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. This combined effect of increased glucose production and decreased glucose uptake results in a rise in blood sugar, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as stress hyperglycemia.
Blood Sugar Changes in Different Individuals
The impact of a viral infection on blood sugar varies depending on an individual’s underlying health. In people without diabetes, the body compensates for temporary insulin resistance and increased glucose production by releasing more insulin. This keeps blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
For individuals with diabetes, however, a viral infection poses a greater challenge. Their bodies may already have compromised insulin production or increased insulin resistance, making it difficult to counteract the infection-induced rise. This can lead to dangerously high glucose levels, increasing the risk of severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). DKA, more common in Type 1 diabetes but also occurring in Type 2, happens when the body, lacking sufficient insulin, starts breaking down fat for energy, producing acidic byproducts called ketones. HHS, typically seen in Type 2 diabetes, involves extremely high blood sugar and severe dehydration without significant ketone production. Both conditions are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.
Managing Blood Sugar When Sick
Managing blood sugar during a viral infection requires careful attention, especially for those with diabetes. Check blood glucose levels more frequently, every 3 to 4 hours, and record the results. If blood sugar is consistently above 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L), test for ketones in the urine.
Continue diabetes medications, including insulin, even if appetite is reduced. Adjustments to insulin doses may be necessary; consult a healthcare professional. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of sugar-free fluids, about 6 to 8 ounces every hour while awake. This helps prevent dehydration, which can worsen high blood sugar. If solid foods are difficult to consume, get carbohydrates from liquids like fruit juice or regular soda, aiming for about 50 grams every 4 hours if meals cannot be eaten. Seek medical attention if blood glucose levels remain consistently high (e.g., above 240 mg/dL), if ketones are present in the urine, if there is persistent vomiting, or if symptoms of DKA or HHS develop.