Ask Dr Miriam

QI’m diabetic and my doctor says I should have the flu jab this year because I have a tendency to get bronchitis. I don’t want to upset my diabetes so do you think it’s necessary?

AYes, I most certainly do. As someone with diabetes you know how important it is to keep your blood sugar levels stable.

As a diabetic the flu jab protects you in several ways.

Firstly, diabetes affects your immune system and puts you at risk of infections such as flu. Secondly, having flu can affect your glucose levels and lead to hyper or hypoglycemia with potentially serious consequences. That’s why doctors recommend an annual flu vaccination for people with diabetes. Often, for someone with diabetes, the symptoms of flu can develop into bronchitis or pneumonia. So do have your flu jab every year. I do.