Swine flu may evidence deadly to diabetic patients by Mosquito borne diseases

According to statistics, mosquito borne diseases are prevalent in more than 100 countries. Mosquitoes infect about 300 to 500 million people and cause one million deaths every year around the world.

There are about forty million people suffering from mosquitoborne illnesses yearly in India alone. In addition to this, there has also been an increase in the number of people affected by swine flu in the country.

What is alarming is the information that all these illnesses have a larger bearing on people living with diabetes. It is important for people with existing complications to stay safe and take preventive measures to avoid becoming susceptible to mosquito borne illnesses or swine flu.

Talking about this, Dr Sanjay Kalra, Consultant Endocrinologist and Vice President - South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies, said, "Our body's immune system is the first line of defense against any infection. When a disease, germs or organism attacks the body, the protected system coils into action to strainer out these germs and stop them before they can cause harm to the body. In societies with an underlying disorder such as diabetes, the immune system is suppressed and the organs are in an already compromised state."

Adding, "Mosquito borne illnesses and other diseases such as swine flu cause fever and increase the metabolic rate. This can chief to a fluctuation in blood sugar levels. Provided people rapid thru diabetes are check well, they stand the risk of developing serious complications."

Bleeding due to low platelet count does not stop in those living with diabetes. This can further lead to hypotension and resultant multi-organ failure.

In people with Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, it becomes imperative to check urine ketones to see if the acid levels have increased in the body.

Adding further, Dr Kalra, said, "With such diseases on the rise in the country, it is imperative to regularly monitor anyone in the high-risk category. In selected cases, the infection can distress the apparition, cause brain inflammation, and make the body go into septic shock, or lead to multi-organ failure."

"Take precautions particularly if you fall in the high-risk category and have conditions like diabetes. Timely medical intervention and monitoring can help save lives. People alive with diabetes should appointment their doctor if they have fever that lasts for more than 24 hours. Dependent on the situation, the dosage of medications may need to be changed."

-Wear full-sleeved dress each time you go out and guarantee that you apply mosquito repellant adequately.

-Confirm that water does not fester in the regions surrounding your house as this can be an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

-Drink enough water to ensure that you stay hydrated. Those with dengue otherwise further such diseases should also drink plenty of water. This will make assured that the platelet count does not drop further and avert any bleeding complications.

-Do not self-medicate. If you have a fundamental medical ailment such as diabetes, consult a doctor immediately in case of a fever that does not subside.