People with diabetes aren’t more likely to catch COVID-19 or the flu, but they are at higher risk of severe illness if infected — especially if their blood sugar isn’t well-controlled. Here are some easy things to do to stay healthy and strengthen your immune system.
How to Stay Healthy with Diabetes
Keep Blood Sugar in Check:
Staying within your target range to keep your immune system strong. This helps you avoid illness and recover faster if you get sick.
Eat Fruits & Vegetables:
Colorful fruits and veggies provide vitamins and minerals that support your immune system. Ask your doctor before taking supplements. I take Red Yeast Rice for my cholesterol, Alpha Lipoic Acid for nerves, Berberine to control my blood sugar, and vitamin D for overall health. You must decide what you need.
Stay Active:
Regular physical activity helps control blood sugar and strengthens your immune system. There is no way around this. I have tried.
Wash Your Hands Often:
Germs are everywhere. Wash your hands often to prevent infections. This is the number one thing you can do to stay safe.
Wear a mask:
Especially when in a crowd.
Manage Stress:
High stress and distress weaken the immune system and raise blood sugar. Practice relaxation techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing for just 5 minutes a day. Let’s face the facts. It is stressful having diabetes and keeping up with your blood sugar levels, needle pricks, food, exercise, and sleep. We need to relax and know that we can take this chronic disease one step at a time.
Get Enough Sleep:
Sleep is essential for good health. Less than 7 hours of sleep makes it harder to manage diabetes and fight infections.
Get Vaccinated to Stay Protected
I believe in vaccines. If you don’t, bypass this section.
Vaccines are a simple, effective way to protect yourself from serious illness. Here are the key vaccines for people with diabetes:
- COVID-19: Get all recommended doses and boosters to avoid severe illness.
- Flu: Get a flu shot yearly, as people with diabetes have weaker immune systems.
- Hepatitis B: If you’re under 60 or have diabetes, this vaccine lowers your risk of infection.
- Pneumococcal: Recommended for adults 65+ and younger adults with diabetes.
- Shingles: Adults 50+ should get this vaccine, even if they’ve had chickenpox or shingles before. I have had shingles. It wasn’t good. I got my first shingles vaccination about two weeks ago. I take the second one before Valentine’s Day.
- Tdap: Get this shot every 10 years to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.
Stay informed and stay healthy
Talk to your doctor about your vaccine schedule and other ways to protect your health. Taking these simple steps can help you avoid serious illness and stay in control of your diabetes.
One day at a time.
Love, tolerance, and peace,
Harriette and Ronda
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