For most people, the common flu is a disruptive annoyance. It means a week in bed and a fair amount of pain and misery during that time. For people who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the same flu, can be substantially worse.

Not only does diabetes weaken your body’s ability to fight off viruses, like influenza, but it also makes it more difficult to regulate your blood sugar. The illness itself can raise blood sugar levels. But it also suppresses your appetite causing a risky roller coaster effect with sugar highs followed by dangerous lows.

Additionally, people with diabetes are more vulnerable to serious complications from flu, that include those listed below.

• Bronchitis
• Sinus infections
• Pneumonia
• Ear infections

In some cases, death can occur. For these reasons, it is important to work with your primary care physician to work out ways to avoid getting influenza if possible and to treat it promptly if you do get the virus.

Prevention is the Best Cure

You will hear this old adage many times in your life and it holds true when it comes to diabetes and the flu. There are things you can do to prevent contracting influenza that will serve you well, including the following.

• Get the flu vaccine every year if your doctor recommends it.
• Wash your hands well and wash them often.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Keep your glucose levels under control.

While no preventative efforts are fool proof, reducing your risks of exposure to the flu virus can help reduce your risks.