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Colds? Can they have an effect

T

TROUBR

Well-Known Member
Messages
203
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Sorry for yet another silly question. I have received all the sick day management leaflet but have actually felt fine since diagnosis (well apart from the diabetes thing!) Anyway I am coming down with a cold and was wondering if that will have an effect on my BG? I had until now assumed that sick day management related more to tummy upset type things (sorry for TMI). I ask because my readings over the past couple of days have been a little higher than normal -and I have just been giving myself extra units at meals to bring it down.

Oh and before you ask I haven't taken anything for the cold (not sure what I am allowed - can I take ibprofen / paracetamol etc?)

Thanks heaps

Louise
 
Thanks. I asked my GP's nurse about over the counter stuff the other day and she was very vague and then started going on about it not being good to take these generally long term. I don't know why she thought I would want to - I had said I had a cold and wanted to know what I was ok to have - especially given that I was diagnosed in April and this is the first time IU have asked so I am not showing signs of needless pill popping surely! :?

Cheers Eddie!

Louise
 
Hi Louise,

Since you are on insulin and this is your first "illness" since diagnosis I thought I would post the sick day insulin correction formula here. It's just in case you need it all of a sudden or anyone else in the future looks here for advice in similar circumstances.

If your blood sugar is over 13 and you have no ketones take a correction dose of 10% of your total daily insulin in units (usual basal and meal insulin total).

If your blood sugar is over 13 and you have ketones up this to 20% of your total daily insulin.

You can use this dosage every 2.5 hours till your bs drops below 13.
 
Apparently decongestants (which are in most cold remedies) can be dangerous for diabetics, with the potential to cause heart rhythm disturbance. Paracetamol or ibuprofen of course wear off every 4 hours. My pharmacist suggested a once-daily antihistamine in addition to paracetamol or ibuprofen, it seems to help cover the time when the painkillers wear off. Of course check with your doctor/pharmacist first that its okay for you to take antihistamines.

I find my bs/insulin requirements may not get back to baseline until a week after the cold seems to have finished.
 
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