Know How Diabetes Affects Immune System
Diabetes has a lot of detrimental effects one of which is its impact on the immune system.
Diabetes has become a very common condition nowadays that is often not taken seriously because of the lack of knowledge about the negative effects it can have on one's health. It has a lot of detrimental effects one of which is its impact on the immune system. Let's know what our immune system is before we delve into the affects of diabetes on it.
What Is Our Immune System?
Dr. Ambrish Mithal, who is the Chairman & Head - Endocrinology & Diabetes, at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket said, "Any germ any bacteria, any virus that we are exposed to is fought by our body- first at the level of the skin, then at a deeper level, by white blood cells circulating in our blood. When we get infections repeatedly, our body's capacity to fight the infections improves, especially if we're getting minor degrees of infection. Our bodies make antibodies against the infectious agent, and activate the white cells, which enables us to fight off subsequent infections better. That is the principle of vaccination!"
"When we have diabetes and high blood glucose, then our body is working under stress- this includes our immune system too. The infection spreads faster and takes longer to cure. Besides, when you generate an immune response, you also provoke inflammation. Inflammation can directly damage various organs. Remember, this process depends on the level of glucose control. For those people whose diabetes is well controlled, the risk is not high," he added.
Connection Between Diabetes And Immune System:
Dr. Ambrish Mithal said, "Individuals who have diabetes are more susceptible to contracting different infections. Not only that, but if you have diabetes and you get an infection, your chances of recovering from it are also lower or slower than those of someone without diabetes. You will heal from an infection more slowly if you have uncontrolled diabetes. If you do contract an infection, your blood sugar level will rise. So it's like a vicious circle- ifyou have diabetes, you're more prone to infection, once you get the infection, your blood sugar rises further. A high blood sugar will impair your immune response."
How Does Diabetes Affect Our Immune System?
In this regard, Dr. Dheeraj Kapoor, who is the Chief – Endocrinology, at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram said, "Firstly, high blood sugar levels, a characteristic feature of diabetes, can weaken the immune response. Hyperglycaemia impairs the function of various immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, which are necessary for detecting and eliminating pathogens. This impaired immune function makes people with diabetes more prone to infections."
"Secondly, diabetes can cause chronic inflammation. High blood sugar levels trigger the release of pro-inflammatory molecules, resulting in a state of chronic low-grade inflammation which can disrupt the balance of the immune system and make it less effective in differentiating between harmful invaders and the body's own cells. Resultantly, the immune system may attack healthy tissues, contributing to autoimmune diseases," he added.
In addition, Dr Sajid Mairaj, who is a Senior Consultant Physician and Diabetologist at Prayag Hospitals Group, said, "High blood sugar levels also create a favourable environment for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of various infections. Additionally, diabetes-induced inflammation can damage blood vessels and reduce the efficiency of the circulatory system, further compromising the immune response. Chronic inflammation associated with diabetes weakens the body's defenses, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses. Moreover, diabetes can disrupt the balance of the microbiota in the gut, impacting the overall immune function."
What Can We Do to Keep Our Immune system Strong?
Dr. Ambrish Mithal listed the following points:
- Blood sugar has to be under control.
- However, maintaining adequate hydration and consuming foods high in minerals and antioxidants, such as vegetables and fruits, is helpful.
- Being physically active is important for our immunity.
- It can be challenging to stay active during periods of high pollution, like what Delhi is currently experiencing. Please wear a mask when you go for a walk but don't stop being physically active.
- Frequent hand washing is recommended. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything outside your home or in public areas.
- Stress reduction is simple to advise, but you have to find your own way. Meditation, yoga/ pranayama/ music are some of the methods.
- Sleep adequately, as reduced sleep clearly impairs immunity. Seven hours sleep every night is recommended, (definitely not less than six)
- Lastly, of course, do take the vaccine shots as advised by your doctor. Ideally, Every person with diabetes should be getting a flu shot every year, particularly those who are over sixty.
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