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Having a cold and blood sugar confusion

SpaceChick

Well-Known Member
Messages
89
At the moment I have a stinking cold. Sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headache etc etc

Everything I have read says that my blood sugars are likely to go up whilst I'm fighting the infection. However, whilst I am having higher than normal morning readings, I'm finding that my ad hoc readings are very low, taking me into hypo type symptoms on top of the cold. I havent got much of an appetite but I have increased my carbs, and am eating lighter snacks as opposed to a proper meal.

Has anyone else found that they have been like this?

I'm on Metformin, so not worried about insulin as I don't take it.

I went into work yesterday and went in today as well, but had to come home and go to bed today as I really am not well enough to work (I'm typing this from bed).

This is the first cold I have had since my diagnosis.
 
Well, over 60 of you have read this and not one of you has responded so I spoke to my specialist diabetic GP instead.

For the benefit of anyone who may find themselves in my predicament I will provide the advice my GP has given me.

When you have viruses, your body needs more energy to fight the infection, the easiest way to get this energy is through glucose. My body has been dipping into hypo territory due to my low carb diet, so I have been advised to eat more carbs when poorly to fight the infection, as my body won't be able to metabolise the fat and protein for energy in the same way as it can when I'm well.

She has said to expect my blood sugars to be much higher as a result, but not to worry.
 
Hi

I am sorry that no-one replied. I have been feeling under the weather and also a bit "ratty". I am assuming that my levels are on the low side, so a carb boost might be in order!

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
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