Close the windows of your car and home during allergy season. Vacuum and dust your home frequently. And finally, wear a microfiber mask when outdoors.
Did you know that an allergy may be adversely affecting your blood sugar? You might think it is because of all the sneezing, the stuffy head, runny nose and red bloodshot eyes. But it’s not the symptoms that cause your blood sugar to spike, more than likely it’s that over the counter allergy medicine that is the culprit.
When you get stuffed up, a chemical in your body known as histamine is the reason for the nasal congestion. An antihistamine is a medicine that restricts the capabilities of histamines from functioning in your body providing relief from many allergy symptoms. On their own antihistamines do not undermine your blood sugar, but because one in five people who take such allergy medicines become drowsy, it translates into unscheduled naps and missed meals that can result in diabetics waking up with low blood sugar.
A decongestant helps to clear a stuffy nose. But decongestants can raise blood sugar levels in some people as well as blood pressure and heart rate. So before purchasing a decongestant to battle with your season allergy disorder, speak to your doctor first.
Corticosteroids are medicines that block allergic reaction by reducing inflammation. They come in pill, spray and creams and can be combined with other allergy medications. But because steroids are powerful medications they come with particular side effects including spiked blood sugar levels. Diabetics need to frequently check their blood sugar when taking Corticosteroids.
Try to avoid taking allergy medicines by following these simple tips. Close the windows of your car and home during allergy season. Vacuum and dust your home frequently. And finally, wear a microfiber mask when outdoors.
