Diabetes Control Matters
Prevention and Care of Pneumonia
Over 4 million cases of pneumonia occur in the United States
each year. Almost 1 million of these people will require admission
to the hospital. Because blood glucose levels rise when you
are ill, it is very important to prevent pneumonia if possible.
What is Pneumonia?
- An infection of the lungs
- Usually categorized by the organism or "germ"
that caused the infection
- Something to take seriously; seek help early!
Risk Factors for Pneumonia
- Age over 65 years
- Presence of liver or kidney disease
- Alcoholism
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Cancer
- Malnutrition
- Diabetes
- Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
- Blood Vessel Disease
- Previous pneumonia within the past year
- History of cigarette smoking
- Persons with weakened immune systems
You Should Go To The Hospital Emergency Room If You Have:
- Extreme shortness of breath
- Repeated high fever (>101.0)) that has not
lowered after following your doctor's recommendations
- Serious chest pain
- Change in level of consciousness/alertness –
family member may notice disorientation or confusion in
an otherwise alert person
- Symptoms and you are unable to reach your doctor
to report your condition
How To Decrease Your Risk:
- Maintain good blood glucose control – This decreases
your overall risk of infection and helps your body heal
faster if you become ill.
- If you smoke – QUIT! – Cigarette smoking
is linked to many health problems and decreases your ability
to recover from pneumonia.
- Avoid excessive alcohol intake – alcohol intake
contributes to malnutrition and makes blood glucose control
very difficult to achieve.
- Consider an annual flu vaccine – Try to prevent
illness if possible. There is also a vaccine available for
the most common type of bacterial pneumonia. Ask your health
care provider if these vaccines are a good idea for you.
- Maintain the best state of health possible –
Eat a healthy diet, get adequate rest and regular physical
activity, keep your blood glucose within your target range,
and see your health care team regularly.
- Seek help early! – At the first sign of a problem,
contact your doctor. Early attention can make a big difference
in your recovery from any illness.
Monitoring Your Progress
Call your doctor if you have any of the following signs:
- A temperature of 100.0 or greater
- A change in cough and sputum – report changes
in the amount and color
- Decreased energy level, presence of fatigue,
shortness of breath, inability to eat or drink, or inability
to do normal daily activities
- Unexplained blood glucose of under 70 or greater
than 240 for 2 tests in a row, or as directed by your doctor.
|
