Colds are not fun for anyone, but for diabetics they can be a nightmare. Navigating the aisles of the pharmacy to find a safe cold medication is easier if you know what products and ingredients to avoid.
As winter comes so does cold season — runny noses, sores throats, nagging coughs abound. Before you reach for the cold medication, there are a few things to be cautious of as a diabetic.
Sugar-based Filler Ingredients
The flavouring found in many liquid cough and cold medications is essentially just sugar, and will therefore affect glucose levels the same way any other sugar product will. Some medications also contain alcohol, which will impact glucose levels as well. Look for these under the "inactive ingredients" section of the label.
Active Ingredients
Not all pain and fever reducers are appropriate for diabetics.
-Naproxen should not be used by people with kidney, liver, or cardiovascular problems.
-Acetaminophen can cause stress on the liver and kidneys — anyone with kidney or liver problems should check with a doctor before using products that contain acetaminophen.
-Ibuprofen should be used cautiously by anyone with liver or kidney problems.
-Both ibuprofen and naproxen increase the hypoglycemic effect of insulin and oral diabetes medications.
Decongestants
Decongestants that contain epinephrine, phenylephrine, and pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure. There is also a chance that they will interfere with the effects of diabetes medications.
The best way to get through the cold season is prevention. Healthy habits that come easily during the summer often fall to the wayside when colder weather comes. Making an effort to stay hydrated, eat fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, and get enough sleep will go a long way in keeping healthy while people around you get sick.
If a cold does get you, take measures to prevent spreading it to others: stay home, cough or sneeze into your elbow instead of your hand, and avoid unnecessary contact with the people around you. Make sure you are checking your blood sugar regularly, staying hydrated, and eating well.
When going the medication route, ask your doctor or pharmacist to suggest a cold or cough medication that is safe for you, and read the label carefully.
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