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Type 2 I’m type 2 and I’ve caught flu should I be worried ?

Mijulie65

Mijulie65

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I’m new as a diabetic but now I’ve caught flu. I was wondering should I see my dr ? Not sure what to take
 
When anyone gets an infection, the body releases some stored glucose in order to help it fight the bugs, in non diabetics, any excess is removed by the action of insulin. For us diabetics, that feedback loop doesnt work - either because the body cant produce the insulin or it cant respond to it - and instead of helping the body fight infection, the released glucose builds up and can the feed the bugs, making it harder to kill them off. For those reasons its both particularly hard and also particularly important to keep your blood sugars under control
I see that you are diet controlled so it is important to keep an eye on the amount of glucose ( from sugar or other carbohydrate sources) that your diet is providing and also avoiding adding more hidden in cough / cold / flu remedies. Sugar free versions are available - I use robitussin cough meds and either fishermans friend or strepsils sugar free lozenges. For people taking medications, particularly insulin, sulfonylureas or other meds that can cause hypoglyceamia, there are additional considerations.
When I have a bug I try to give my immune system all the help I can and, if I have it in, will take cats claw drops & sugar free Sambucol https://www.ocado.com/webshop/produ...rte-Syrup/89399011?from=search&param=sambucol
 
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Are you absolutely sure you do have the flu because if so that can be very serious for a diabetic. Did you have a flu jab this year it is free for people with diabetes and well worth having because even if unlucky enough to get the flu it should be milder
 
Mijulie65 said:
I’m new as a diabetic but now I’ve caught flu. I was wondering should I see my dr ? Not sure what to take
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You can call them and ask for advice. I don't like to go in with the flu because there's already vulnerable people in the waitingroom I don't want to infect. Keep an eye on your bloodsugars and take sugar-free meds when possible (sugar-free strepsils are always in stock in my night stand for instance). Take care of yourself, keep hydrated, and call in medical/professional help if you feel you need it. Did you get offered a flu-jab? If not, request one next fluseason. Mine always makes me feel ill for a few days, but still better than be being laid up and miserable for weeks. Hope you feel better soon!
 
Personally I would never have a flu shot. In fact in my 50 odd years I’ve never had one and only had REAL flu twice. There was no way I was in a fit state to comment on a forum or use social media. The efficacy of these shots is a bit dubious. Wash your hands and eat well works better. If you have flu you wouldn’t be able or bothered to pick up a £50 note if it was on the floor.
 
[QUOTE=" If you have flu you wouldn’t be able or bothered to pick up a £50 note if it was on the floor.[/QUOTE]
Don't bet on it :)
 
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