Diabetes is a disease we are all aware of; it’s a condition in your body when your blood sugar level is higher than normal. As simple as it sounds, unfortunately the effects of it are drastic or as many specialist doctors say, it’s a disease which can affect from the root of your hair to the tip of your toe.
This is mostly due to the effect of diabetes on the immune system of the body- the system that fights to keep germs from invading your body. Because diabetes falters the immune system, your body is a home to many germs and acute fungal infections of the sinus are no exception to that.
However, do not work yourself up cause in this writing,you’ll get an insight on simple ways you can control your blood sugar level and boost your immune system and hence, to reduce chance of sinus infection and vice versa.
Table of Content
Sinus Infection and Diabetes- It’s all connected!
Sinusitis can cause your blood sugar level and vice versa. Stay with me as I discuss how it’s all connected. So, sinus infection or sinusitis can cause the body to be under stress which releases stress hormones called cortisol and adrenaline to be released in greater amounts in the body.
Cortisol in turn inhibits insulin activity in the body and enhances the production of glucose in the liver as it prepares the body to deal with the increased amount of stress caused by sinusitis. Adrenaline also inhibits insulin production by binding with some receptors in the beta cells of the pancreas which in normal conditions, secrete insulin.
Therefore, both cortisol and adrenaline causes increased blood sugar and hence, diabetes. However , uncontrolled diabetes can also result in acute sinusitis. Here’s how-
Uncontrolled diabetes leads to fat cells not responding well to insulin which causes them to release more cholesterol in the blood which has two effects in the body- one being a weaker immune system and the other reduced blood flow to the extremities.
Both of these combined makes a person with diabetes more susceptible to infectious agents. Acute fungal infection of the sinus is one of the many that happens as a result of weak immune systems. Okay,but how do i know if i have diabetes or sinusitis? Read further for your answer-
All about Sinusitis
People suffering from diabetes are usually more prone to acute fungal infections of the sinus which is the inflammation of the lining of the paranasal sinuses present on your forehead and the upper part of your cheeks. Amongst the several sinuses present, one sinus named maxillary sinus is most affected. The fungi which causes the disease are Aspergillus fumigatus(90%), Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger.
Symptoms include fever, pain around your nose and forehead,runny nose,headache, cough, and can even cause mental stress.
Treatment
Antifungal medicines such as amphotericin and sporanox can be used for fungal sinusitis. Sometimes, oral steroids are suggested; however, if you’re facing a few of the symptoms mentioned above, please contact your doctor for further queries.
Drinking lots of water and resting is very important. For clearing your nasal congestion, you can also inhale steam through your nose and use nasal drops.
Hopefully these remedies will make you feel better. Don’t take it too lightly though cause chronic sinusitis can result in diabetes like we discussed.
Now, most of us here know that once someone is diagnosed with diabetes, it will never really go away. Although scientists and doctors are still looking for a way to completely eliminate diabetes from one’s body but until now,unfortunately, it’s established that once someone has diabetes will have it with them forever.
Don’t be disheartened though because statistics have also proven that simple natural remedies adapted by patients can result in a fairly constant and normal blood sugar level throughout the process. Read more to know more about this.
Natural Remedies to Boost Your Immune System
Food
Balanced diet
Cut down carbohydrate intake and red meat from your diet. However, proteins are important for many other reasons so you can substitute animal protein with plant proteins such as chickpeas, lentils, etc.Plant based proteins have all essential amino acids in it and is lower in carbohydrate and also has fibers which will boost your nutrient profile and so your immune system.
Important: do not cut down on carbs completely because that will increase cortisol level in the body which will have a reverse effect on your body increasing your blood sugar level instead of decreasing it.
Fatty seafood
Fatty seafood contains good fat which is good for your body and does not increase body weight. It also contains omega 3 and various vitamins and is very rich in protein so include sea fish in your meals at least twice a week.
Carrots
Carrot is not only good for your skin but also for your body. It is one of the main sources of vitamin A. It contains antioxidants which helps the body fight germs,cell damage and inflammation boosting your immune system.
Nuts
Brazil nuts and walnuts to be specific top the list of nuts as it contains the maximum amount of zinc,copper,iron, selenium and folate. In case of chestnuts, it also contains vitamin C. All these minerals, especially zinc, is a great booster for your immune system so if you’re allergic to nuts, make sure to take zinc tablets orally.
Bell pepper/capsicum
Bell pepper is also a great source of beta carotene which is a precursor of vitamin A which is very important for boosting your immune system.
Editor Tip: List of Foods That Boost Immunity
Reduce stress
This is one statement that always pissed me off. If you’re living, you’ll have stress. As simple as that. However, there are several ways you can reduce your stress level. Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga or just listen to calming music! If you’re too busy to do any of these, you can check out several 5 min yoga steps that will calm yourself. Just find something to keep yourself calm!
Exercise regularly
As much as i want to ask you to walk or go for a run for at least half an hour everyday, i know it can get really hard to allocate such a time daily. Don’t use that as an excuse to not exercise at all though cause it is THE most important thing to do if you’re suffering from diabetes. Exercise uses up the extra amount of sugar in your blood reducing blood sugar level. So get up and at least do some free hand movements and burn all that sugar!
Sleep
I cannot stress enough on how important it is to get proper sleep. Improper sleep can disrupt your hormonal cycles and can really mess with your mind. Any problem in your life that you can think of is probably because you haven’t been getting enough rest and I’m not even exaggerating . So make sure to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep everyday and try to form a sleep cycle so you can maintain it.
Conclusion
Diabetes and sinusitis can both affect each other. People often take sinusitis lightly and allow it to take over not knowing how dangerous it can be. Diabetes is an irreversible condition so people sometimes don’t realize how important it is to keep it controlled and give up on it. However, controlling and treating both diseases are very important and easy.
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