This year's flu season shows no signs of attenuating and has seen a signficant increase in flu-related deaths among both adults and children. There are many reasons to urge caution (and common sense) among your patients with diabetes who are more vulnerable to influenza-triggered complications and hospitalizations.Click through this short slide show for a few quick reminders on how you and your diabetes patients can work together to keep them safe and healthy. Source: As widespread flu activity continues, diabetes compounds dangerous risks. Healio Endocrine Today. February 23, 2018. Accessed March 1, 2018.
Diabetes and the Flu: Not a Sweet Combination
The Flu this Year -- and Diabetes. The CDC warns that hospitalizations for flu this season are already higher than last year. Patients with diabetes are at higher risk for complications during flu infection than those without diabetes.
Diabetes Comorbidities and the Flu. Patients with diabetes and heart failure or cardiomyopathy who take diuretics are at high risk for dehydration and should be monitored carefully.
Flu and Diabetes Management. Diabetes patients compromised by influenza may have trouble maintaining routine diabetes care including SMBG, insulin injections, and regular meals. They will need extra support from family, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Diabetes, Medications, and Flu. Changes in dietary patterns may make patients vulnerable to diabetes medication side effects, such as ketoacidosis while taking SGLT2 inhibitors; NSAIDs taken for fever or myalgias may precipitate hypoglycemia if feeding is disrupted.
OTC Remedies and Diabetes. Over-the -counter drugs for flu symptoms may contain ingredients--both active and nonactive--that can affect glucose levels. Patients and caregivers should be advised to consult a trusted professional before taking/administering any OTC remedy.
Final Thoughts on Diabetes and the Flu: Patients with diabetes should try to maintiain regular disease management routines; healthcare professionals should be consulted before any OTC remedies are given or taken; diabetes patients should be current with recommended vaccinations and pay particular attention to personal hygeine during flu season and/or while ill.
