flu and bsg levels too low and what flu meds to take!

[Sheila]

I have the flu and my readings are too low. 63,61, 77. I have drank juice and ate a snack after it. hope this helps.

Also, what OTC meds can I take to help? No possible way to go to store until tomorrow. I have the following: Nyquil and Advil Flu and body ache.Also have Sudafe and Benedryl and Claritin. I have Delsym for the cough. I am a mess and need help!

[Penny]

I have the flu and my readings are too low. 63,61, 77. I have drank juice and ate a snack after it. hope this helps.

Also, what OTC meds can I take to help? No possible way to go to store until tomorrow. I have the following: Nyquil and Advil Flu and body ache.Also have Sudafe and Benedryl and Claritin. I have Delsym for the cough. I am a mess and need help!

Sheila, I was asking the same thing a few months ago. I was exhausted from not getting any sleep, because I was so sick. I had been told not to take any OTC drugs, but I figured I was going to die from exhaustion, so might as well risk it. My levels were all over the place anyway, just because I was sick. The Nyquil made all the difference. I slept soundly for a couple of nights and started feeling better. I have other health issues, and it didn't seem to do any harm.

[Erin]

I always take the nyquil / dayquil combo when I get sick. I haven't noticed a drastic change in Bg from it, but then again my numbers are all over the place from being sick anyway. I say take what you have and sleep easy.

[kgm0612]

Get well soon, Sheila.

[Tokyo Cate]

I hope you are feeling better soon.

I have never found a significant effect from any OTCs except Nio Citron, which you can account for with your diet--and as you are running low, rather than high as many experience, it may not have such a serious impact (though please don't try to sue me if I am wrong).

With all the kiddies you teach, I strongly recommend you get a flu vaccine next season (as I would recommend to anybody, despite the very strong protests some make about vaccinations). I have had my vaccination every year since I have been diagnosed and have never lost a day of work because of the flu and never had all the horrible feelings that go along with the flu (though I did feel quite achy following one vaccination). I strongly recommend it. It is so great to feel well and healthy through the feel season (of course, I still get colds, but that's the way it goes, eh?).

[greendavid]

If you take NyQuil, don't take anything else. It has many different medications in it. Don't add any other OTC drugs unless you know exactly what you're doing.

It's not good that your blood sugars are consistently low. Usually when you're sick they will tend to be higher (so I'm told).

What diabetes drugs are you taking? You may want to back off on your dosages (with the advice of a doctor or diabetes educator) until you feel better.

[Sheila]

I am taking 5mg of glyburide that is it. I took advil cold and flu and my bsg was 79. just took it again and it is 55 with my One touch Basic but when I tested with the Glucometer Elite Xl from Bayer it was 76. i don't feel a low coming on.

[greendavid]

If you are eating less than usual because of your illness, you may need to reduce your dose of Glyburide temporarily. Call a consulting nurse if your medical system includes that service.

Also, be ready to treat a low. Make sure you have rapid-acting sugar foods within reach. You want 15 grams of sugar to start: 4 ounces of fruit juice, or 2 tablespoons of sugar or honey, or 1/2 can of regular (non-diet) soda. If your meter reading is not above 70 in 15 minutes, take another 15 grams.

I have never heard of non-prescription cold medicines having a direct effect on blood glucose. I would bet that your food intake is much more important.

Also, make sure to remain hydrated; that is, drink enough water. When you are sick, you should drink a glass of water every hour.

[Martha]

There are diabetes mesd out there that you can take. they are OTC

I tried diabetic Tussin DM,also tried their cold and flu formula. my endo Dr told me not to take any other kinds of OTC med told me to only take diabetic tussin brand of meds

[greendavid]

For sugar or honey, the correct amount is 2 teaspoons (not tablespoons) to equal 15 grams of carbohydrate.

Sorry!

[Sheila]

Okay bsg's are good 126 but now I am numb in my feet and hands. I can't sit or lay down for more than 10 minutes and I have to get up to change position to get feeling. This is my first illness since being diagnosed in Feb.

[greendavid]

Hmmm....

I'm sorry to hear you are so uncomfortable! Do you have the opportunity to see a doctor? I just sort of get the feeling that maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to have someone look you over.

What do you think?