Diabetic? Everything You Need to Know About Spring Allergies

Achoo! It's that time of year again: Spring allergies are here, and for 1 in 5 people, warm weather brings not just blooming flowers and short sleeves, but also symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergies) - sneezing, coughing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy throat, and irritated eyes. For those with type 2 diabetes, spring allergies don’t directly affect blood sugar levels, but there are some things to be cautious about.

To ease itching, sneezing, and runny nose, you might purchase over-the-counter medications, but if you’re also taking medications to balance your blood sugar levels, you need to be a bit more aware of potential side effects.

One in five people using antihistamines become drowsy, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). If the medication makes you sleepy and you miss a meal, you could wake up with low blood sugar. It's advisable to opt for newer antihistamines with less sedative effect, and it's always wise to talk with your pharmacist about the side effects of various medications.

To clear a stuffy nose, we often reach for over-the-counter nasal medications, some of which contain steroids. Steroids stimulate the liver to produce more glucose, which can increase blood sugar levels. It's recommended to use a continuous glucose monitoring system to get real-time blood sugar levels.

It is highly recommended to ask your family doctor or pharmacist about non-steroid nasal sprays. Additionally, decongestant sprays should not be used for more than 3 days, as they may worsen congestion even after you stop using them.

For a dry throat or cough, check the label to choose a sugar-free brand.

Ward Off Your Allergy Triggers

The best way to beat spring allergies is to avoid the triggers that cause them:

• Shower after being outdoors to remove pollen from your hair and body.
• Keep windows closed at home and in the car. Use an air filter or air conditioner to filter allergens.
• Wear high shoes and a mask when going for a walk or workout outdoors.

Can people with diabetes take allergy medication?

Fortunately, medications containing antihistamines, such as the popular allergy medication Claritin, do not raise blood sugar levels. However, some products, like Benadryl, might cause drowsiness and interfere with daily activities, including diabetes management.

Can diabetics use nasal spray?

It seems that intranasal corticosteroids do not have adverse effects on HbA1c and glucose levels in people with diabetes. While long-term use appears safe, patients should be closely monitored, especially those receiving triamcinolone (a corticosteroid used in various allergic conditions, primarily as a nasal spray), and acetonide (a corticosteroid drug also used to treat allergic rhinitis. It is a stronger derivative of triamcinolone and is eight times stronger than prednisone.)

Does diabetes cause nasal congestion?

Unstable blood sugar levels in diabetics can lead to nasal mucosa swelling.

Can allergies cause insulin resistance?

Food allergies also cause inflammation, which leads to insulin resistance. Food allergies and intolerances can cause insulin resistance.

Do antihistamines exacerbate allergies?

Studies suggest that humans do not experience this problem. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and definitely eye drops should not have a clinically significant impact on the immune system.

Prof. Julio Weinstein is the head of diabetes research at Wolfson Hospital and a senior diabetes physician at the DMC Diabetes Care Center