How people with Diabetes can benefit from the Flu Shot

People with poorly controlled diabetes have a weakened immune system, increasing the risk of severe flu complications, some of which can be life-threatening.

This risk is higher for those with additional chronic conditions like chronic kidney disease or COPD. Avoiding complications, such as developing pneumonia, make vaccination essential.

It’s crucial for all patients with diabetes, even those with well-controlled diabetes, to get an annual flu vaccine.

Complications can escalate as flu and infections make blood glucose control challenging. For example, if steroids are involved to manage pneumonia, blood glucose control becomes even more difficult and could have far longer lasting effects than the actual flu virus.

It’s crucial for all patients with diabetes, even those with well-controlled diabetes, to get an annual flu vaccine. Exceptions include those with past allergic reactions to the vaccine, egg allergies, or current flu or cold symptoms.