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Diabetes and colds
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
Diabetes and colds... Relatively healthy people can get colds 2 to 3 times a year, and children with an undeveloped immune system - 6 to 12 times a year. But if a person has diabetes, he can get colds more often, and it can complicate the course of diabetes. Then the cold virus (and this is a viral disease) creates additional complications in the body. For example, the blood sugar level begins to rise sharply. Here's what you should know if you suffer from both diabetes and colds.
[ Why does a cold increase blood sugar in patients with diabetes?
If you have a cold, there is a high risk that your blood sugar will rise. This happens when your body overproduces hormones to fight viral infections. For a healthy person, this is normal - hormones can help fight colds, but for a person with diabetes, it makes it harder for the body to produce insulin to fight the disease.
When blood sugar levels become too high, it can be quite difficult to cope with a cold or other illness caused by a virus – a person can develop problems such as ketoacidosis, especially if he or she is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Ketoacidosis is the accumulation of too much acid in the blood. It is a potentially life-threatening condition. If a person has type 2 diabetes, especially if they are older, they may develop a serious condition called hyperosmolar hyperglycemia. This is a condition similar to what is known as a diabetic coma. This problem, doctors say, is caused by very high blood sugar levels.
How often should a person with a cold check their blood sugar levels?
If you have a cold, check your blood sugar at least every three to four hours. If your blood sugar is too high, see your doctor immediately – he or she will recommend higher doses of insulin.
What can a person eat if he has diabetes and a cold?
If you have diabetes, you may not feel ravenously hungry when you have a cold. But it is important not to starve yourself, and in any case, try to eat something. You can choose diabetic products from your regular menu.
Porridge, yogurt, fruit juice – you need to include carbohydrate foods in your menu, especially fruits, but not too sweet ones. If you remain hungry, your blood sugar level can drop sharply, which will make you weak.
If a person with diabetes has cold symptoms accompanied by a high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, be sure to drink a cup of warm, non-carbonated liquid every hour. This will help you avoid dehydration.
If your blood sugar is too high, drink ginger tea, warm water or still mineral water – you can do this gradually, in small sips. If you need to raise your blood sugar, drink half a cup of apple juice or ½ cup of ginger tea. Always check what you eat or drink so that it does not conflict with your usual diabetes diet to make sure that these foods and liquids are allowed by your doctor in your situation.
What medications can people take for colds and diabetes?
People with diabetes cannot take all cold medicines. It is very important to avoid products with high sugar content. And everyone knows that liquid cold medicines often contain sugar. So before taking cold medicines, even innocent-looking lozenges, be sure to read the label to determine how much sugar is in the product. If you are unsure about your choice, consult your doctor.
People with diabetes should be aware that their medications should be labeled "sugar-free" when purchasing such products.
If you have high blood pressure, you should avoid any cold medicine that contains decongestants, which can raise your blood pressure even more. Decongestants should not be used in people with high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
How to prevent colds if you have diabetes?
Whether you have diabetes or not, always use modern hygiene products to reduce respiratory infections like colds and flu. Preventing the spread of colds starts with everyone in your household regularly and carefully washing their hands. There is no vaccine for the common cold, but talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot every year to avoid getting the flu virus. This virus can put a lot of stress on your body, making it hard to manage your blood sugar levels when you have a cold.
Colds and diabetes are diseases that can make your life much more difficult. Avoid at least colds – with a healthy lifestyle and exercise.