Does a cold affect blood sugar?

[Roisin]

Hi, having some problems tonight bringing blood sugar down. I have a stinker of a cold and have upped insulin but it’s not working, worried that if I keep using novorapid I’m going to start stacking it up only to crash later on. Is this a normal thing? I’ve heard about sick day rules but thought this was more for stomach viruses etc. I’ve tried to attach the libre readings for today but not sure if it’s worked. Thanks a lot

 

[Wirrallass]

Hi Roison, High number there, no wonder you're concerned. Colds and illnesses do tend to elevate the blood glucose. Other than that I'm afraid I can't help as I'm clueless where T1 and insulin are concerned but others will be along shortly who will steer you in the right direction. Do stay on line.
WL

Dx Type2 April 2016
Diet control and exercise only

 

[Robin]

I find it varies, sometimes I have a cold and nothing happens to my blood glucose, other times it shoots up with a vengeance for a wee sniffle. All you can do is firefight and keep testing regularly, and have your usual hypo treatment to hand. Keep a careful note of how much Novorapid you've taken, and when, so that if you start to drop, you know how much active insulin you've still got on board, and eat accordingly. I find the worst bit is when I start to feel better and my levels drop again.
Hope you feel better soon!

 

[Roisin]

I find it varies, sometimes I have a cold and nothing happens to my blood glucose, other times it shoots up with a vengeance for a wee sniffle. All you can do is firefight and keep testing regularly, and have your usual hypo treatment to hand. Keep a careful note of how much Novorapid you've taken, and when, so that if you start to drop, you know how much active insulin you've still got on board, and eat accordingly. I find the worst bit is when I start to feel better and my levels drop again.
Hope you feel better soon!

Thanks Robin, I hadn’t thought of keeping check of the doses that way 🙂