What does the immune system do?
In your body, the immune system is very important. It shields you from dangerous substances that might cause illness.
The immune system’s primary functions in the body are to:
- Combat and eradicate pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites from the body.
- Identify and remove dangerous materials from the surroundings
- Combat alterations brought about by disease, such as cancer cells.
You run a higher chance of getting sick if your immune system malfunctions or becomes incapable of fighting off infections. Continue reading to find out more about the immune system and diabetes.
Diabetes and the immune system
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes distinctions
Since type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, the body targets the beta cells in the pancreas, which are in charge of producing insulin. Type 1 affects the portion of the immune system that facilitates the proper function of your pancreas, but it does not damage the immune system as a whole. This implies that individuals with type 1 diabetes do not always have immune systems that are less capable than those without the condition.
When the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin or when the body becomes resistant to insulin, type 2 diabetes results. This illness is not autoimmune-related.
Controlling your blood sugar is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system and preventing infections, regardless of your diabetes type. Your immune system will function effectively if you can control your blood sugar levels properly. This implies that a diabetic who controls their blood sugar levels well has no more or lesser risk of contracting the flu or a cold than a person without the condition.
However, because high blood sugar can compromise the immune system’s defenses, people with poorly controlled diabetes are more prone to catching viruses or getting other diseases. It has also been demonstrated that diabetes-related problems including nerve damage and decreased blood supply to the extremities make the body more susceptible to infections.
Read Also: High blood pressure and diabetes
The connection between diabetes and infections, such as COVID-19
You probably have a strong immune system and are not at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 or other viral infections if your diabetes is under control. Put differently, having type 1 or type 2 diabetes does not increase your risk of infection.
However, some diabetics—particularly the elderly, those with cardiovascular disease, and those who are obese—may experience more severe problems with COVID-19. Additionally, it has been discovered that hospitalizations linked to COVID-19 for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are influenced by inadequate blood sugar regulation.
These 7 methods will strengthen your immune system
You may enhance your diet and lifestyle choices to help defend yourself against viruses, like COVID-19 and the flu. A well-tuned immune system will enhance your body’s ability to repel viral attacks. The following are some strategies to strengthen your immune system:
- Get frequent exercise. Regularly engaging in modest physical activity helps strengthen your immune system. Additionally, it can aid in the regeneration of immune cells and lessen inflammation. Try to get in 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise.
- Retain a healthy body mass. Obesity and excess weight have been linked to an increased risk of disease, according to several research. In one study, those who had the flu shot but were obese had a twofold higher chance of contracting the illness than did those who were thinner.
- Give up vaping and smoking. The immune system is impacted by tobacco smoke in a number of ways, including decreased blood levels of immune-boosting antioxidants like vitamin C and an increased risk of illnesses like the flu and pneumonia. Within 30 days of quitting, immunological function starts to improve.
- Use alcohol sparingly. Drinking too much alcohol might weaken one’s immune system and increase one’s vulnerability to illnesses. Additionally, alcohol can cause inflammation in the intestines, kill intestinal microbes, and support a healthy immune system. The Diabetes Canada guidelines state that a woman’s weekly alcohol intake should not exceed 10 drinks, and a man’s weekly alcohol consumption should not exceed 15 drinks.
- Get adequate rest. There is a connection between a higher risk of illness and both inadequate and poor quality sleep. According to one study, persons who slept for less than six hours a night had a higher risk of getting the flu or a cold than those who slept for more than six hours. Aim for seven or more hours of sleep per night to help bolster your natural immunity.
- Aim to reduce your stress. Prolonged stress exacerbates immune cell dysfunction and inflammation. Long-term psychological stress might reduce your body’s ability to fight off infections naturally. Reducing stress with yoga, meditation, or physical activity can support healthy immune system function.
Be the first to comment on "Boost your immune system in seven ways if you have diabetes"