Stay Ahead of Respiratory Virus Season
Critical Tips for People with Diabetes
12/23/2024
Dr. Alex Trecartin, Aspirus Family Medicine Physician
Respiratory virus
season presents added risks for everyone, but individuals with diabetes face
significantly greater risks. Diabetes weakens the immune system and disrupts
blood sugar regulation, making it harder to fight infections.
“People with
diabetes are at higher risk of more frequent or severe infections, including
common respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV,” says Alex
Trecartin, MD, a family medicine physician with Aspirus Health.
The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people with diabetes—even
those whose diabetes is well-managed—are three times more likely to die and six
times more likely to be hospitalized due to flu-related complications than
those without diabetes.
Dr. Trecartin
explains that infections can complicate diabetes management. “Our body’s
metabolism changes during illness, and blood glucose control can be harder to
maintain,” he explains. “It’s important to monitor blood sugar levels more
often and communicate with your health care provider about adjustments to your
treatment plan.”
To protect
themselves during respiratory season, Aspirus Health encourages individuals
with diabetes to take the following proactive steps:
Stay Current on
Vaccines: Immunizations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV significantly lower the risk
of infection and reduce the severity of symptoms if illness occurs.
Maintain Good
Glucose Control: Keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range helps reduce
the likelihood of complications from infections.
Practice Good
Hygiene: “Washing your hands frequently is perhaps the most important thing you
can do to lower your risk of respiratory infection,” advises Dr. Trecartin.
Taking these
precautions will help individuals with diabetes reduce their risks and navigate
respiratory virus season more confidently.
For more information
about managing diabetes and staying healthy during respiratory virus season,
contact your health care provider or visit www.cdc.gov.
Back to all Posts