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Cold Medicines

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Pearsall85

Well-Known Member
Messages
107
Hey all, thought I was comin down with a cold but luckily I've woke up today feelin fine. What is safe to take though for future reference?

Stu.
 
Hi Stu,

Glad you escaped the Lurgy this time!!

I'm a T1 30+ years now, and i'm no doctor but i can tell you what i use for cold remedies.
It's always advisable to take sugar-free options if possible. A lot of cold remedies have added sugar, watch out for cough syrups and throat lozenges, they tend to be loaded. Anything in pill form such as Lemsip/Beecham's capsules, paracetamol and decongestants tend to be safe, but check the packet for the added ingredients, as each brand varies. If in doubt, you can always check with the pharmacist of course.
As a T1 i have often used the sugared off-the-shelf versions (though the pharmacist can't let you have it if they know you're diabetic!) or i've added honey to a Lemsip for example, and adjusted my fast acting insulin to account for it. I wouldn't suggest this unless you're confident about dose adjustment, but as Mary Poppins would tell you 'a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down'!!

Other than the sugar content, i don't believe there are any other things to watch out for, but maybe somebody else can add to this...

Stay healthy!

Anni :)
 
Since there is no cure for a cold the advice I once received has proved helpful. Decide which of the symptoms you dislike most and treat that. For temperature you can take aspirin (for example) and for catarrh you can take an antihistamine (like Zirtek). Tesco do their own one and it is essential that you get a non drowsy type.
 
Ginger tea in a thermos. Hot water, quite a lot of grated fresh ginger, 8 or so whole black peppercorns. Cd try adding chilli if you like it.

Drink masses of it.
 
I was sitting in my pharmacy the other day waiting for my carrier bags of diabetic goodies (ok just stacks of blood strips and insulin) and there was a new starter being trained. He was asking plenty of questions one of which was about what sort of medication can diabetics have. To which the qualified pharmacist said 'nothing that contains sugar, they can't have sugar in their diets'. If that's what they are teaching pharmacy staff these days I'm worried.
I learned that they don't give anything to diabetics when ill the hard way some years ago so if they ask just tell them your not. Find out how much sugar is in it and treat yourself accordingly is my advice. Just be aware and obviously follow sick day rules. X


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