Diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, adds stress to virtually every system in your body through the effects of high blood sugar levels. Even your immune system's function can be reduced by elevated glucose levels.
Nizar A. Tejani, MD, PC of Stockbridge, Georgia, specializes in internal medicine, and we want to share some of the challenges of living with diabetes in recognition of National Diabetes Month in November. Learning how to maintain health with reduced immune function may be an overlooked aspect of diabetes management.
When blood sugar levels in your system rise, your body responds with an inflammatory reaction, a normal immune system function. While inflammation is an essential part of the healing process, when it becomes chronic, it can affect organs and other systems in the body.
This also depletes the resources available to your immune system, making it work harder when other infections, injuries, or illnesses arise. People with diabetes are more prone to conditions like:
You may find common illnesses last longer, while cuts and scrapes may also take longer to heal.
Diabetes management is multifaceted due to the far-reaching effects of high blood sugar. You can consider immune system support as another aspect of managing your condition.
Consider these strategies for boosting your immune system’s performance:
Keeping your blood sugar levels under control is the first step in managing diabetes and all its effects. Your immune system responds faster and more effectively without a base level of inflammation from the reaction to high blood sugar.
Reduce the spread of pathogens from the environment into your body by washing your hands thoroughly and often. Use a take-along hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands, and avoid touching your face.
You don’t need to join a gym. Activities like moderately paced walking and biking can help regulate your blood sugar levels and boost your immune response.
Plant-based foods provide the nutrients that support immune system functions. The range of colors of fruits and vegetables carries different vitamins and minerals, so a colorful diet is usually a nutritious one when it comes to your health.
Deep sleep is a fundamental restorative process during which your body performs maintenance and healing. Aim for a minimum of seven hours of sleep nightly as a baseline for blood sugar control. Poor sleep can also make it difficult to fight off infections.
When you’re under stress, your body chemistry changes and, no surprise, your blood sugar suffers. Stress itself also lowers immune system function, adding to a double dose of trouble. Maintaining stress control through meditation, yoga, nature walks, or other methods that work for you helps restore immune function.
Dr. Tejani and his team also recommend staying vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, and any other illnesses that can be prevented or reduced with immunization.
Contact our Stockbridge office for assistance with diabetes management. Call or click to book a visit today.
