If you live with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you already know how important it is to stay ahead of your health. What you might not know is that influenza can hit much harder and cause far more serious complications when you have diabetes.
That’s why getting your annual flu vaccination isn’t just a good idea. It’s an essential part of your diabetes care plan.
Why Is the Flu Riskier for People with Diabetes?
When your blood glucose levels are harder to control, your immune system has to work harder too. That means your body is less able to fight off infections like the flu. And once you do get sick, the stress of an illness like influenza can:
- Cause dangerous spikes or drops in blood sugar
- Increase the risk of ketoacidosis (in type 1 diabetes)
- Trigger severe dehydration
- Lead to secondary infections like pneumonia
- Result in hospitalisation, especially if other conditions like heart disease or kidney problems are also present
A Serious Virus, A Simple Prevention
The good news? There’s something easy, fast and free you can do to lower your risk: Get your flu shot.
The 2024 influenza vaccine is safe for people with diabetes and designed to help your body prepare for the flu season ahead. It won’t raise your blood sugar and cannot give you the flu, it simply helps your immune system recognise and fight the virus if you’re exposed.
Protecting Your Health—and Your Routine
We know that managing diabetes takes time, planning, and discipline. The flu can throw all of that off track—making it harder to eat, exercise, take medications properly, and monitor your glucose levels. That’s why it’s so important to avoid illness in the first place.
With one simple appointment, you can:
- Lower your chance of getting the flu
- Reduce the severity if you do catch the flu
- Avoid dangerous blood sugar swings
- Protect your independence and health
- Keep doing the things you need to do (and love to do)
A Quick Appointment, A Season of Protection
Getting your flu shot at Walker Street Doctors takes less than 15 minutes. Our nurse Lyca will make sure you’re comfortable and cared for—no long wait times, no fuss.
If you’re due for a diabetes check-up or need your HbA1c reviewed, we can bundle it all into one visit. That’s smart, preventive care—and we’re here to make it easy for you.
Ready to Book?
If you live with diabetes, don’t skip your flu shot this year.
It’s free, safe, effective—and it could keep you out of hospital.
Book with Nurse Lyca today at Walker Street Doctors
