Diabetics May Take Short-Term Fever Medication

AKURAT.CO, Diabetics who have fever may use febrifuge, but only for temporary treatment or for short-term consumption.

“In general and in the short term hot drugs such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are safe for DM (diabetes mellitus), they do not affect blood sugar levels,” said Chairman of the Indonesian Endocrinology Association (PERKENI), Prof. DR dr. Ketut Suastika, Monday (16/11/2020).

However, the use of steroid type drugs with strong anti-inflammatory effects can increase blood sugar levels so it is necessary to be aware of and need to consult a doctor.

The WebMD page notes, a number of over-the-counter drugs to treat fever symptoms can affect blood sugar levels, including ibuprofen which can increase the hypoglycemic effect of insulin, decongestants such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine and aspirin in large doses.

On the other hand, there is a time when taking paracetamol is recommended for those who are taking lixisenatide (especially for people with type-2 diabetes).

The NHS has stated that the drug lixisenatide to help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and is usually injected once a day under the skin can also reduce the absorption of paracetamol if given one to four hours before paracetamol.

Adults can generally take one or two 500 mg paracetamol tablets every four to six hours, but no more than 4 grams (eight 500 mg tablets) within 24 hours.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof. Suas reminds people with diabetes to apply health protocols, namely washing hands, wearing masks (especially when leaving the house), maintaining distance, monitoring blood sugar more frequently, recognizing good glycemic load, having sufficient healthy food intake, doing physical exercise and maintaining a stable heart condition and kidney.

The use of telemedicine services can also be an option to reduce contact and the possibility of people with diabetes contracting COVID-19. []

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