If a diabetic patient has dengue

 

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The number of dengue patients is increasing day by day. People with diabetes should take special precautions if they get dengue.

Possible symptoms of dengue:

* Sudden high fever

* Headache

* Pain behind eyes

* Muscle pain

* Weakness

* Nausea

* Red spots/rash on the body

* Bleeding from the nose, mouth or gums

* Sore throat

* Cold, cough

Diabetic patients who are at risk for febrile conditions:

* Reduced hypoglycemia or diabetes

* Dehydration

* Production of chemicals called ketone bodies in the body

Diabetic patients with fever should:

* Drink plenty of water or liquid food to prevent dehydration.

* If blood sugar is high, you can have low calorie syrup or syrup without sugar. Canned water can be consumed. Sugary syrups can also be consumed if the blood sugar decreases.

* Excessive exercise and walking should be avoided during fever.

 

* Diabetic patients should continue with normal diet. Eat small meals every three to four hours so that diabetes does not increase too much. Don't let it go down again.

* If blood sugar is high, sweet fruits (eg mango/jackfruit/malta) should be avoided or consumed in moderation. If necessary, the dose of insulin or medication should be readjusted.

Diabetes Test: Blood sugar should be tested every six hours. If the blood sugar is more than 14 millimoles, then more frequent testing should be done.

Medicines and insulin levels:

* The insulin dose may need to be re-adjusted, those who used to take insulin twice a day may need to take insulin three times a day depending on the blood sugar level.

* For those taking oral medications, their dosage may need to be increased or decreased depending on blood sugar levels. Metformin should be discontinued if anorexia or diarrhea occurs.

When to consult a doctor:

* Vomiting (if diarrhea lasts more than six hours)

* If blood sugar is more than 14 mmol/L

* If there are ketone bodies in the urine

* If you have symptoms of diabetic keto acidosis such as shortness of breath, abdominal pain, dehydration

* When blood sugar drops too much

* If there is any other disease of kidney, heart, liver

* If unable to take any food.