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Treating a cough

linda321

linda321

Well-Known Member
Messages
118
Location
West Sussex, UK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I have been struck down with a nasty virus - sore throat earache and very nasty tickly cough. I know I can't have cough medicine anymore due to it's sugar content. Can anyone recommend a way of soothing the cough? It's kept me awake the past 2 nights!

Also, I know I should expect my BS to be higher because of the virus. But how much? Should I take more insulin? I am on mixed insulin 2 times a day. (Novomix 30). I have a meter that tests for ketones over 14mmol/l but it hasn't got over that yet.
 
I took Pavacol-D (pholcodine) sugar-free cough mixture at night (described as suitable for diabetics), and it didn't push my morning BS up. Also gave me a good night's sleep.
I'm not on insulin so I can't advise on that.
Hope you're better soon.
 
Speak with your pharmacist, as DeejayR says there are suitable products available for people with diabetes, as for your insulin, you will need to increase your insulin doses if your bg is high, but I've not used Novomix 30 before so really can't advise, ring your DSN up in the morning and they give you the right advise.

Hope your feeling better soon.
 
I had a dry cough earlier this week. Don't laugh, but I read on this forum of a remedy to help me sleep. I cut a big, raw onion in four and placed it next to my bed. The onion vapours loosen the mucus and relax the cough. I have slept straight through for two nights. My cough is a lot looser now and seems to be on the way out.

For during the day, the pharmacist gave me Robitussin sugar-free. I took it for one day. Today, on orders from my mum, I will be boiling an onion for an hour then drinking the broth as I would cough medicine :yuck: She swears by it.

Sorry, I don't know about insulin, but wish you well. Broken sleep is torture.
 
2nd on the Robitussin. Went to get cough mix this morning and realised that I've been a moron and been taking almost pure glucose and fructose over Xmas. Readings all over the place and a 'cold' that wouldn't go away. Genius.
Only diagnosed T1 July last year so still have old habits to break!
 
linda321 said:
I have been struck down with a nasty virus - sore throat earache and very nasty tickly cough. I know I can't have cough medicine anymore due to it's sugar content. Can anyone recommend a way of soothing the cough? It's kept me awake the past 2 nights!

Also, I know I should expect my BS to be higher because of the virus. But how much? Should I take more insulin? I am on mixed insulin 2 times a day. (Novomix 30). I have a meter that tests for ketones over 14mmol/l but it hasn't got over that yet.
Click to expand...
Hi @linda321 awful virus about ...I am on week 5 or 6 laryngitis as well , but the cough , get what you can the cough is awful ....sugar free versions can be requested ...
I am sorry you are feeling so unwell ....plenty of rest and fluids ...etc ...sorry I can't help,with insulin question ....is it worth a GP visit or leave them a message ....just a thought ...
Get well soon ...kat
 
I had a bad chesty cough and the Pharmacist recommended Robitassin. Sorry if the spelling is wrong.
 
I bought some Robitussin sugar free. I took it just before bedtime, but I just couldn't get to sleep! I was wide awake all night. Has anyone else had this side effect from the cough medicine?
 
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