Make sure you know what you’re taking
and how it could affect your diabetes
MEDICATION
mind your
*What
are
ketones?
When you’re sick
high BGLs can
increase your risk of
developing ketones.
The body breaks
down fat as an
alternative source of
energy, when there
isn’t enough insulin
in your body to
encourage glucose
to enter cells; as a
result, this process
produces ketones,
which are toxic to
the body in large
amounts. A build-
up of ketones can
lead to diabetic
ketoacidosis (high
levels of glucose
and ketones).When you’re sick, your body
releases stress hormones
that naturally raise your blood
glucose levels and can prevent
insulin from properly lowering
them. So, the golden rule for
anyone with diabetes is to test
your glucose levels every 2-4
hours and monitor for ketones*.
“The best medicine for colds
and flu is plenty of rest, keep
hydrated and monitor your
temperature and blood sugar
levels,” says endocrinologist Dr
Sultan Linjawi. Some over-the-
counter cold and flu medications
may contain added (or extra)
sugar that can have an effect on
blood glucose levels (BGLs). We
have outlined the most common
ingredients and products that
you should be aware of.COUGH SYRUP LOZENGES
We’re sure you’ve asked “regular
or sugar-free?” Although sugar-
free is better for you, the extent
of an effect cough syrup and
lozenges have on your BGLs
strongly relates to the dosage
and number of doses daily.
If your illness causes your
BGLs to rise, treating it with a
syrup is only going to make it
worse. Many syrups and lozenges
may contain added sugars – and
multi-symptom syrups may also
contain decongestants. Makesure you double (and even triple)
check the labels before buying.PSEUDOEPHEDRINE
PHENYLEPHRINE
Decongestants containing
pseudoephedrine or
phenylephrine are used to reduce
nasal congestion and pressure.
These can raise both your BGLs
and blood pressure, as they cause
your body to release stored
sugars into your bloodstream.CAFFEINE
Products ranging from coffee,
tea and soft drink, right through
to pseudoephedrine, are all best
avoided when sick. This is due
to the adrenergic (caffeine-like)
effects, which causes your blood
pressure to increase, accelerates
your heart rate, and heightens
your anxiety and/or nervousness.ASPIRIN
Medications that contain aspirin
are also known to lower your
BGLs, while those containing
steroids (or corticosteroids)
can elevate your BGLs by
decreasing the effectiveness
of your insulin. ■Consult with your healthcare team
before starting any medication and
have a sick day plan at the ready.
WORDSELLIE GRIFFITHSPHOTOGRAPHYGETTY IMAGESself care