Flu and Diabetes can form a risky health duo. That's why knowing how to prevent influenza is essential to reducing risk, improving quality of life and ensuring the well-being of people with diabetes.
Flu and Diabetes: a complex disease
Flu and Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting almost 4 million people in France, according to figures from the French Ministry of Health and Prevention. The condition is characterized by an abnormal rise in blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes, generally diagnosed in children and young adults, where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
Type 2 diabetes, which most often occurs in adults when the body cannot properly use the insulin it produces.
Flu and Diabetes has become a global health problem, affecting millions of people. Its prevalence is constantly on the rise, due to factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. Possible complications of diabetes are serious and include cardiovascular problems, nerve damage, eye problems, kidney failure and infections. This is why diabetes management, including flu prevention, is of crucial importance to patients' health.
Flu and diabetes: a risky duo?
As the French Federation of Flu and Diabetes points out in its dossier "Am I more concerned by the flu if I'm diabetic?", patients are particularly vulnerable to flu infections. Indeed, diabetes can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off viruses such as the flu virus. When blood sugar levels are not well controlled, this can compromise the immune system's ability to function effectively. In this context, flu can further disrupt blood sugar control, which can lead to serious complications for people with diabetes.
Flu prevention for diabetics
Preventing influenza in people with diabetes is of paramount importance to their health, as indicated by the Aide aux jeunes diabétiques platform. Flu vaccination is one of the most essential preventive measures. It offers specific protection against the strains of influenza virus that circulate each season. However, other preventive measures must also be taken into account, such as
hand hygiene, by regularly washing hands with soap and water, or using a hand sanitizer ;
wearing a mask, especially in high-risk environments or when in close proximity to infected people;
maintaining a physical distance from people with flu-like symptoms.
How do you manage the flu if you're diabetic?
When a Flu and Diabetes comes down with the flu, it's essential to take specific steps to manage your health as effectively as possible. First of all, it's essential to keep a close eye on blood sugar levels during the illness. Infections, including the flu, can raise blood glucose levels, which can complicate diabetes management. It is therefore advisable to check blood glucose levels regularly, and to follow your healthcare professional's recommendations for adjusting doses of insulin or anti-diabetic medication.
When it comes to medications, it's important to take those prescribed by a healthcare professional. It is therefore essential to consult a pharmacist or physician before taking certain over-the-counter medications. Finally, it's essential to know when to consult a healthcare professional. If flu symptoms worsen, including persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, confusion, chest pain or abnormally high or low blood pressure, it's advisable to contact a doctor immediately. People with diabetes are more likely to develop serious complications from the flu, and prompt medical intervention can be crucial to their well-being. When in doubt, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.