Do You Have A Sick-Day Plan?

Cold and flu can wreak havoc on your blood sugar. Be better prepared.

- Hallie Levine

Suffering from cold and flu can disturb our daily routine. And this can be particularly perilous for people with diabetes.“When you have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your immune system is less able to fight infections,” explains David Lam, Associate Director, Mount Sinai Diabetes Center, New York. As a result, you’re more likely to get sick and suffer complications from what otherwise might be a garden- variety case of the sniffles. But there are other risks, as well: “When you’re sick, your body releases more stress hormones, which in turn can raise blood sugar,” adds David. That’s why it’s so important to have a sick plan in place, so that you’re better able to manage your blood sugar, stay aware of symptoms, and seek medical attention if necessary. Here’s what you need to know.

How to prepare for the season

GET A FLU SHOT