Why flu treatment could be a lifesaver for diabetic patients

Medical experts now say that treatment for influenza and other opportunistic infections can help prevent hospitalisation for those suffering from diabetes.

This landmark resolution was reached during the United Nations General Assembly meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. The summit recognised diabetes as a serious, chronic, debilitating, and costly disease.

The meeting marked a significant chapter in the global fight against diabetes. The disease is rapidly becoming a major health issue worldwide, affecting all age groups. The number of diabetics is expected to rise to 645 million by 2030, up from 246 million in 2006.

Without proper intervention, developing countries bear the largest burden, with more than 76 percent of the total cases—primarily in the 45–64 age group. Diabetes is now considered the fifth leading cause of death globally, affecting up to 10 percent of Kenyans.

However, this figure may be higher, as many cases go undiagnosed for years.

Endocrinologists and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) report that 12,544 individuals were found to be diabetic out of 80,000 people recently screened. Of these, 44 percent developed diabetes in the past five years. Diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are consistently above normal.

It develops when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin effectively, leading to a build-up of sugar in the blood.

Common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, sudden vision changes, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, fatigue, and recurrent infections. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.

No cure

Type 1 diabetes typically occurs in younger individuals and requires insulin treatment. It accounts for just five to 10 percent of cases and is believed to be almost entirely genetically driven.

Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90 percent of cases, can be managed through diet, medication, and other lifestyle changes.

“You can see that anyone, anywhere, at any age is at risk of developing diabetes due to environmental and hereditary factors,” says Dr Jude Onunga, a medical consultant and practitioner in Nairobi.

Onunga adds that while diabetes currently has no cure, it can be managed effectively through proper information, diet, regular exercise, and, most importantly, medication.

Experts note that diabetes is often diagnosed through complications or routine medical check-ups.

Some common complications of diabetes include stroke, heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations of the lower extremities.

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is an infection that can lead to complications in diabetics. As a respiratory disease, influenza affects the nose, throat, and lungs and is highly contagious.

In diabetics, the flu poses greater risks because diabetes weakens the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to severe cases of flu and other infections.

Influenza can also raise blood sugar levels in diabetics, potentially causing damage to organs.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during flu outbreaks, there is an increase in flu-related deaths among diabetics, particularly those with complications like heart or kidney disease.

Organs damage

The mortality rate can rise by five to 15 percent in such cases.

“People with diabetes are six times more likely to be hospitalised with flu complications. Many deaths reported annually among diabetics are linked to influenza,” says Onunga.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has reported a 12 percent decrease in hospitalisation rates for diabetic patients following vaccination against the flu. Clinical studies show that treating diabetics for influenza could reduce hospital admissions by up to 80 percent during flu epidemics.

Epidemiological studies confirm that diabetics, especially those with cardiac and renal complications, are at high risk of complications and death from influenza.

Diabetics are three times more likely to die after contracting the flu compared to those without diabetes. However, less than half of diabetic individuals receive flu treatment.

Doctors are now advising diabetics to promptly treat any opportunistic infections, as this can significantly reduce the risk of complications and hospitalisation.