How does a viral infection affect people with diabetes?

We know that hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is associated with weakened immunity, but having blood sugar control is important after a viral infection diagnosis.

• The presence of hyperglycemia during admission of patients with viral infections, not just those with diabetes, may indicate worse results ¹.

• Practical recommendations for blood sugar control in viral infection patients suggest an A1c target of 7% or less².

Managing blood sugar is key to better health outcomes, particularly for people with diabetes. 

Why is nutrition important in diabetes management and recovery from a viral infection?

Regular diabetes management includes medical nutritional therapy, which can help you achieve good blood sugar control and includes improving of carbohydrate intake and diet quality⁵.

Balanced nutrition will help manage blood sugar levels, keep it in control, and provide the daily required nutrients, especially when you're ill.

Eating smaller, regular meals and focusing on a balance of macro and micronutrients can help you manage your blood sugar both during times of illness and every single day. Consider adding a diabetes-specific formula (DSF) to your diet if you need more nutritional support.

Glucerna® is a diabetes-specific formula that can help you manage your blood sugar. It provides key nutrients and health benefits, including:

• Slow-release carbohydrates with a low glycemic index - help lessen the effect on blood sugar levels.

• Monounsaturated fatty acids – with a lot of health benefits.

• Prebiotics and dietary fiber - helps gastrointestinal health.

• High-quality protein and other nutrients - for immune system support, including antioxidants (selenium and vitamins C and E), vitamin D, vitamin A, and zinc.

For people with diabetes, good nutrition is a key component of managing blood sugar following any diagnosis. Keeping your glucose in check every day is important; incorporating DSFs to fill any nutrition gaps, or replace poor meal or snack choices, may help improve your immunity and overall health.

¹Hyperglycemia and the worse prognosis of a viral infection. Why a fast blood glucose control should be mandatory - Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice (diabetesresearchclinicalpractice.com)

²Practical recommendations for the management of diabetes in patients with viral infection (thelancet.com)

⁵Nutrition Therapy for Adults With Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Consensus Report | Diabetes Care | American Diabetes Association (diabetesjournals.org)