Seasonal Allergies and Glucose Management
Spring and fall are beautiful seasons, but they bring with them seasonal allergies for most people. Pollen, mold, and other allergens trigger symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and so on. If you have diabetes, you might find it harder to deal with these allergies since they can affect your glucose levels and well-being. The good news is that there are things you can do to keep pace with both your allergies and your glucose levels. In this article, we will discuss how allergies impact people with diabetes and how the use of the SIBIONICS GS1 can help you monitor and manage your glucose levels during allergy season.
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Understanding Seasonal Allergies and Diabetes
Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to outdoor allergens, such as tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen. When allergens enter your body, they make your immune system release chemicals that make you ill, leading to sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. Even though these symptoms are not nice, they can become worse if you are diabetic.
When your body is fighting against allergens, it may result in stress. Stress, on the other hand, may have an impact on your glucose level rising. This is because of the fact that stress causes the release of hormones such as cortisol, and this may hinder your body's ability to make use of insulin effectively. Diabetics will realize that it is more challenging to control their glucose level when their allergies are set in.
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The Relationship of Glucose to Allergies
One of the challenges that people with diabetes encounter when it is allergy season is that it can be harder to manage glucose levels. Allergies don't directly cause glucose spikes, but the inflammation and stress that they bring can certainly be an issue. Certain allergy medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, can also affect glucose levels. For example, some medication will cause glucose levels to rise, so it is even more important to monitor your readings very closely.
It is necessary to manage your allergies so they don't interfere with your glucose management. If your symptoms worsen, it is necessary to speak with your doctor to find out the best treatment plan. Meanwhile, there are some things you can do to help keep your glucose level stable.
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How the SIBIONICS GS1 Can Help
During the season of allergy, it is particularly crucial to remain more alert to check your glucose levels as they can fluctuate with allergens, stress, and medication. SIBIONICS GS1 is an intelligent glucometer that checks your glucose levels in real time. Using this device, you get instant feedback about how your body responds to allergens and changes in your environment or activities.
With the SIBIONICS GS1, you can see how different things—like allergy responses, medication, and being outside—affect your glucose. This provides you with a better sense of how to make choices about your condition, from changing your diet to deciding when to exercise at its best time.
For example, if you notice that your glucose is rising after taking an antihistamine, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting on another medication. Or, if you see that your glucose levels are higher when pollen counts are high, you can take the extra step to reduce your exposure to allergens. The GS1 gives you the information you need to stay in control, even during allergy season.
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Tips for Glucose and Allergy Management
Monitoring your glucose with the SIBIONICS GS1 is useful, but there are other things that you can do to help you manage your glucose levels and allergies during allergy season:
Take Allergy Medicines as Directed: Always follow the advice of your doctor when taking allergy medicines. Although some of the over-the-counter medications have an effect on glucose, your doctor will be able to guide you to the right one that will not affect your diabetes condition.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking lots of water can thin mucus and relieve congestion. Staying hydrated is also important to help keep equilibrium glucose levels stable, especially when your body is under stress.
Limit Contact with Allergens: If you know pollen or other allergens are high, try to stay inside during the highest allergy times, which are often early morning or late afternoon. Keep windows shut, use air conditioning, and even use a HEPA filter in your house.
Maintain Yourself Healthy with Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can regulate your glucose levels and maintain your immune system healthy. Avoid processed foods and sweet snacks that can cause your glucose levels to rise.
Control Stress: Since stress has a way of raising glucose, try your best to use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Being able to calm your body can help you control your glucose levels, even when allergies have left you far from perfect.
Exercise Regularly: Exercise regularly to manage both allergy and diabetes. But during allergy times, try exercising indoors or on days when there is not much pollen. Shower after exercise when you exercise outside to wash away any allergen that may have stuck to your body and hair.
Keep an Eye on Your Glucose Level: With allergies and what they will do to your body, you will want to keep an eye on your glucose level more often than usual. The SIBIONICS GS1 will let you know about your glucose level during the day so you can stay on top of any changes and take action if needed.
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Discuss with Your Doctor
If your allergies are making it difficult for you to control your glucose, or if you're struggling to control the two conditions, it's advisable to discuss this with your physician. They can help you modify your treatment regimen, prescribe the right allergy medication, and also suggest how you can better control glucose.
