A new scientific study suggests that people living with Type 2 diabetes have a very high risk of severe dengue if they are not well-controlled under control of their blood sugar levels. Blood glucose levels that continue to be high for long periods will damage blood vessels and weaken the body’s immune system, making it more difficult to fight the mosquito-borne viral infection and increasing life-threatening complications.
The findings come as dengue cases continue to rise in several tropical and subtropical areas, reinforcing the need for people with diabetes to take extra precautions during the dengue season.
Why does high blood sugar increase the risk?
According to the researchers, chronic hyperglycaemia (the medical term for persistently elevated blood sugar) affects several important functions of the body.
High blood sugar can:
- Weaken the immune system’s ability to fight infections.
- Damage blood vessels and make them more fragile.
- Increase inflammation throughout the body.
- Delay recovery from viral illnesses.
- Raise the risk for severe complications during dengue infection.
Such factors make it more difficult for the body to respond effectively once infected with the dengue virus.
What is severe dengue?
Dengue is a viral infection spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Most patients overcome it with proper treatment, but a small number of them develop severe dengue, which can be fatal.
Severe dengue can lead to:
- Severe bleeding.
- Leakage of blood plasma from blood vessels.
- Organ damage.
- Shock due to dangerously low blood pressure.
- Difficulty breathing.
If warning signs appear, early medical attention is a must.
Symptoms to Watch For
Common symptoms of dengue include:
- High fever.
- Severe headache.
- Pain behind the eyes.
- Muscle and joint pain.
- Skin rash. Nausea and vomiting.
- Extreme fatigue.
Warning signs of severe dengue may include:
- Persistent vomiting.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Bleeding from the gums or nose.
- Blood in vomit or stools.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Cold or clammy skin.
- Sudden weakness or dizziness.
People with these symptoms should seek immediate medical care.
Managing Diabetes During Dengue
The researchers believe that good blood sugar control might increase the body's ability to deal with dengue infection.
People with diabetes are advised to:
- Monitor blood glucose regularly.
- Take prescribed diabetes medicines without stopping unless directed by a doctor.
- Keep well hydrated.
- If fever develops, seek medical advice and treatment immediately.
- Strictly avoid self-medication, especially with medicines that may increase the risk of bleeding unless a doctor has recommended it.
Close medical supervision is particularly important for diabetic patients diagnosed with dengue.
Preventing Dengue
Health policymakers recommend several preventive measures to minimize mosquito bites:
- Eliminate stagnant water around homes.
- Apply mosquito repellents.
- Wear full-sleeved clothing.
- Install window screens and mosquito nets.
- Keep water storage containers covered.
- Support local mosquito control measures.
The study strengthens the importance of blood sugar control.
They say these findings add to the mounting evidence that good diabetes management not only may help prevent chronic disease and complications but also lower the severity of infectious diseases such as dengue.
As dengue continues to affect millions each year, healthcare professionals urge people with Type 2 diabetes to be observant, monitor their health closely, and seek early medical attention if they experience symptoms of dengue infection.
