Nothing Common About It

Viral fever might be a common disease, but it can create rare problems for people with diabetes.

- Dr Tejal Lathia

Viral infections are a double-edged sword for people with diabetes. It can cause serious illness in a person already suffering from either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes mellitus have an impaired immune system because of the hyperglycemic environment that impairs normal immune function. This is why people with diabetes are more likely to develop serious complications because of viral infections, as the body is unable to protect itself. This is usually seen in elderly or longstanding people with diabetes. Commonly, influenza, dengue and such viruses can be fatal in people with diabetes (either type 1 or type 2). They also increase the frequency of hospital visits, hospitalisation and medical expenses.