Explained: Why your blood sugar level rises when you are sick?

Diabetes has become a prevalent medical condition in the past few decades due to which people nowadays have started taking it lightly. Contrary to popular misconception, diabetes not only spikes the blood sugar level but also damages other organs if left unmanaged. Over the years it can also open a window for chronic conditions like cardiovascular problems and nerve damage (neuropathy). Many are not aware of the fact that diabetes can also make it harder to recover from minor illnesses like a cold, the flu, and other common infections. In this article, we will tell you why this happens and how to manage the condition.

When dealing with any sickness, our body produces more blood glucose levels, which can cause diabetes-related complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) if left untreated. It makes it harder for the body to fight the condition and recover faster.

Read more: Coronavirus symptoms: Pain in these two places could be sign of an Omicron infection

When you are suffering from diabetes, several illnesses can raise your blood sugar level. Dr Chandan Kumar Mishra, Consultant, Endocrinology, Aakash Healthcare Dwarka explained that when a diabetes patient falls sick, their body produces counter-regulatory hormones in response to stress. "On top of that, certain drugs like steroids are used during the treatment of sick patients. Both these things can increase the blood sugar level," he said. This condition also increases the demand for insulin, which our body finds harder to meet. As a result, it starts burning fat as fuel and this produces ketones, which can make your blood toxic in high amounts.

Explaining the condition, Dr David Chandy, Consultant & Section Co-ordinator, Endocrinology Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital said those who are in the early stages of diabetes can control their blood sugar levels with a disciplined diet and regular exercise. "There are 4 pillars of management - diet, exercise, medicines, and monitoring sugar levels. A balanced diet that is high in protein and fiber but low in carbohydrates and fat is recommended," he elaborated.

Read more: Diet plan to manage high cholesterol: Experts share tips to plan meals the right way (with sample diet plan for beginners)

For a diabetic patient, having a healthy and nutritious diet plays a crucial role in managing the blood sugar level. A well-balanced diet helps them to recover faster and also keep their blood sugar level in control. So, when suffering from any kind of illness even if it is a minor cold, they must take extra care of their blood sugar level. "A balanced diet works well for diabetic patients and it's sustainable in the long run. Exotic diets/ restrictive diets are difficult to follow over many years. Hence, it is suggested to avoid such types of meal plans," Dr Mishra suggested. He added that a diabetic patient should avoid sugar, jaggery and honey and also foods prepared from refined flour like pav, bread and other bakery foods. Even the intake of oily foods should be reduced from the diet as they increase central body fat and the blood sugar level shoot up.

Apart from that Dr Chandy, it is vital to focus on overall calorie intake, which differs according to the body weight and activity level of an individual patient. "However, in general, patients have to avoid energy-dense food, fried items, fast foods and should rather take a predominantly high fiber and protein-rich diet with moderate consumption of carbohydrates and fats," he added.

As per experts, a diabetic patient should in general follow up with their doctor every 3-6 months or as advised by their respective doctor based on their overall clinical profile. "Besides, they should also consult in case of any sickness, before planning of pregnancy, during pregnancy, any planned surgical intervention or receiving other drugs which could influence their glycemic control," Dr Mishra said.