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Influenza in diabetes: how to behave properly?
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
Diabetes and Flu - How to Behave Correctly If you have diabetes, it is very important to avoid catching the flu. Influenza is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that reaches muscle tissue and all organs, poisoning them with harmful toxins. Although everyone has a chance of getting the flu, people with diabetes have a harder time fighting the viruses that cause it. Influenza and other viral infections add stress to the body because they can increase blood sugar levels and the likelihood of serious complications.
[ What you need to know about flu symptoms?
Flu symptoms usually appear suddenly after an incubation period of 2-7 days. They may include:
- High temperature
- Severe pain in joints, muscles and around the eyes
- General weakness
- Redness of the skin and red, watery eyes
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Sore throat and watery nasal discharge
How often should blood sugar levels be checked if a person has the flu?
According to the American Diabetes Association, it is important to check and recheck your blood sugar levels if you have the flu. If you are sick and feeling terrible, you may not be aware of your blood sugar levels – they may be too high or too low.
WHO recommends checking your blood sugar at least every three to four hours and reporting any changes to your doctor immediately. If you have the flu, you may need more insulin if your blood sugar is too high.
Also, check your ketone levels if you have the flu. If your ketone levels get too high, you may go into a coma. If your ketone levels are high, you need immediate medical attention. Your doctor can tell you what to do to prevent serious complications from the flu.
What medications can be taken for flu if a person has diabetes?
People with diabetes should definitely see a doctor for a prescription to relieve flu symptoms. But before you do, make sure you read the label carefully. Also, avoid products with ingredients that contain large amounts of sugar. Liquid syrups, for example, often contain sugar.
You should stay away from traditional cough medicines. Medicines used to treat flu symptoms are usually made with high sugar content. Look for the "sugar-free" label when buying flu medicine.
What can you eat if you have diabetes and flu?
When you have the flu, you can feel really bad, and dehydration is very common with the flu. You need to drink plenty of fluids, but be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels. You can regularly manage your blood sugar levels yourself with food.
Ideally, when you have the flu, you should choose the best foods from your regular diet. Eat about 15 grams of carbohydrates every hour when you are sick. You can also eat toast, 3/4 cup of frozen yogurt, or 1 cup of soup.
What to do if a diabetic has the flu?
If you have flu-like symptoms, see your doctor right away. For the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications that can make flu symptoms less severe and help you feel better.
In addition to the recommendations for treating influenza, a person with diabetes should:
- Continue taking diabetes pills or insulin
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
- Try to eat as usual
- Weigh yourself every day. Weight loss is a sign of low blood glucose levels.
Diabetes and flu are a very unpleasant combination, so try to avoid at least the second one. And if you can’t, contact your doctor immediately.
How to avoid dehydration during flu and diabetes?
Some people who have diabetes also suffer from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to the flu. That's why it's important to drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration due to the flu.
In case of flu and diabetes, it is advisable to drink one cup of liquid every hour. It is advisable to drink it without sugar, tea, water, infusions and decoctions with ginger are recommended from drinks if your blood sugar level is very high.
If your blood sugar is too low, you can drink a liquid with 15 grams of carbohydrates, such as 1/4 cup of grape juice or 1 cup of apple juice.
How to prevent flu if you have diabetes?
If you have diabetes, you are at increased risk of complications from the flu. It is vital to get a flu shot or nasal vaccine once a year. Although the flu vaccine does not provide 100% protection against the flu, it does protect against its complications and makes the illness milder and shorter. It is best to get flu vaccines in September – before the flu season starts around December or January.
Ask family members, co-workers, and close friends to get vaccinated against the flu, too. Research shows that a person with diabetes is less likely to catch the flu if those around them are not infected with the virus.
In addition to getting vaccinated against the flu, always keep your hands clean. Frequent and thorough hand washing is necessary to remove pathogenic (disease-causing) germs from your hands so that they do not enter your body through your mouth, nose, or eyes.