Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be life-threatening, especially for people with diabetes. Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps can make all the difference in staying healthy.

Essential Tips for Those with Diabetes

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing a bad case of pneumonia due to impaired immune defenses. This makes prevention so much more important.

🫁What is Pneumonia?

A serious lung infection, most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria, pneumonia poses a significant risk, particularly for children under five, adults over 70, and individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. 

🫁What are the Symptoms?

  • Cough, which may produce greenish, yellow, or even bloody mucus
  • Fever, sweating, and shaking chills
  • Shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough
  • Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting, especially in small children
  • Confusion, especially in older people

🫁Pneumonia Prevention

✅ Vaccination against pneumonia, the flu, and other infections is especially important for those with diabetes. All people with diabetes should get one of the CDC-recommended pneumonia vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to help you determine which of these is the best option for you.
During flu season this group faces an added challenge of increased susceptibility to pneumonia. While everyone can reduce their risk of infection through preventative measures like frequent handwashing, avoiding smoking, and maintaining overall health with a balanced diet and regular exercise, blood sugar management is especially critical for those with diabetes.
Summary Pneumonia is a severe infection that poses an increased risk to individuals with diabetes due to weakened immune defenses from high blood sugar. Proactive prevention is essential and includes vaccinations, healthy habits like handwashing and exercise, and careful blood sugar management. By taking these steps, people with diabetes can lower their risk of developing pneumonia and its complications.