The cold raises blood sugar, A study explains why

 The cold raises blood sugar, A study explains why

High blood sugar not only happens after a high-carb meal, but there are plenty of other causes that can lead to high blood glucose, including a cold, because when the body gets sick, it releases certain hormones to fight infection, affecting blood glucose levels, a report published by Eating Well said.

The cold raises blood sugar, A study explains why

More dangerous

According to the American Endocrine Association, when a person gets sick, they release a series of responses to fight infection.

As for diabetics, high blood sugar during an infection can be more dangerous because the body already has difficulty controlling blood sugar.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with low insulin production and high blood sugar, the patient is also at increased risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during a cold or infection.

According to the results of a study published in Annals of Medicine & Emergency, 2023, the findings show that infection is one of the most common causes of diabetes complications, as diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the body does not have enough insulin to transfer glucose from the bloodstream to cells, so it transforms into fat for energy. The decomposition of fats for energy produces ketones, which can become dangerous when many are produced very quickly.

An over-the-counter test could be used to check for ketones in the urine or a measuring device to test ketogenic levels in the blood. If a person has diabetes, the CDC recommends that they be tested every four to six hours during the disease to ensure that they are within the normal rate and that a doctor be seen immediately if the patient is concerned that they are likely to develop ketoacidosis or high ketogenic levels, because diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency.

The cold raises blood sugar, A study explains why

Tips During Colds

To prevent high or low blood sugar associated with a cold, the following strategies can be pursued:

1.Regular blood sugar screening

 If a diabetic suffers from a cold or infection, his attending physician often recommends that his blood glucose level be closely monitored. This can help take necessary action, such as adjusting keys or snacks. If blood sugar is high or very low, the emergency should be immediately addressed.

 2. Keeping medications on hand

If a patient is taking diabetes or insulin medication, they should make sure they have enough on hand if they have a cold. (It can be hard to get a pack when a person doesn't feel right.)

3. Eat regular meals

 Although appetite may drop when a person is sick, skipping meals can cause their blood sugar to drop too much.

Maintaining nutrition also gives the body the energy to fight the infection.

4.Availability of easy-to-prepare foods

The CDC advises drinking or eating 50 grams of carbs every four hours when a person is sick.

Cooking and eating while sick can be tricky, so it's advised to keep nutritious and low-effort foods on hand.

Some examples include canned soups, instant oats, biscuits, cheese, bread, walnut butter, juice, broth, ice cream, milk, yogurt, or even regular soda to help prevent low blood sugar.

 5. Eat enough water

 Drinking fluids is important when a person is sick. Dehydration can also cause high blood sugar.

6.Walking when you get better: 

When a person starts to feel better, they can try nice forms of movement.

According to a study conducted in 2022 and published by the Journal of Sports Medicine, it was found that low-intensity walking after eating helps lower blood sugar.