Type 2 Diabetes and Illness

Being Diagnosed with Diabetes is not the end of your world. Although it is a serious disease, when treated properly, people with Type 2 Diabetes can live long, happy lives. Type 2 Diabetes can be controlled with diet and medication.

Type 2 Diabetes is prevalent in the world today. With Type 2 Diabetes, the body either cannot produce enough insulin or the cells do not recognize it in the blood. Absorbing insulin is critical to the body. Without it the body cannot convert glucose into energy that it needs to function. Glucose is the sugar that food produces and when the body breaks down for energy. When glucose cannot be broken down and absorbed, your blood cells will not get the energy that they need to keep your body going. This in turn can lead to serious and life threatening conditions such as blindness, kidney damage and heart complications.

When you are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, it is important to learn everything possible in order to be prepared for any situation. Everything that can happen to your body will be drastically different then someone who does not have it. The biggest impact is becoming ill.

When a person catches a cold or the flu, the body produces more glucose to fight the illness. Illness or injury causes stress to your body. Your body produces hormones to combat the illness, which raise the blood sugar level. With Type 2 Diabetes, the body cannot process the glucose and the levels can go high enough to produce hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma.

It is important that you monitor your blood sugar often, and it is critically important that you monitor it when you are sick. If you find that your blood sugar level is rising, contact your physician immediately to avoid any life threatening complications. It is recommended that you keep a record of how often you monitor and what the results are to give to your physician.

Another critical factor of being ill with Type 2 Diabetes is over the counter medication. There are hundreds of different over the counter medications to combat any type of illness. Some medications, such as decongestants contain ingredients that will raise your blood sugar levels and aspirin can actually lower it.

It is important for you to discuss what you are taking with your physician because some over the counter medications have ingredients that will raise your blood sugar level. It may be necessary to take insulin shots to restore your sugar level when you are sick.

When you are ill, the last thing that you want to do is eat. With type 2 Diabetes, it is one of the most crucial things you can do. It is imperative that you keep your normal eating routine, and if you cannot, try to eat as much as you can. Drinking plenty of fluids will help you to stay hydrated and it will flush your system to get rid of the illness. There are times when you are ill and eating is not possible, however keeping hydrated is critical. Fluids that are recommended include Gatorade, Juice, Milk and regular soda in small amounts.

If you feel that you are getting worse, it is important that you contact your physician immediately. He or she will want to monitor your condition to avoid any complications.