Not strictly a diabetes question, but I’m wondering if anyone here has tried allergy shots, and if they worked, and if they messed with blood sugars.
My allergies are horrible and are seriously interfering with things. I’ve had chronic sinus problems for the past year (doctor claims it’s not an infection, though, but I have my doubts, especially lately!) and I have tried nasal rinses, nasal sprays, antihistamines, air purifiers, etc. and I am STILL having allergy problems especially during the spring and fall.
Both my GP and allergist have recommended allergy shots because I am allergic to so many things in the environment that it’s impossible to avoid them all. But I’ve talked to some people who have had nasty reactions to those, and I’ve also read that you still have to live as if you have allergies (i.e., allergy-proofing the house and avoiding pollen, etc.) and that they don’t always even work.
But the past week my allergies have been acting up and my blood sugars have been HORRIBLE! I think I’ve had one reading below 11 mmol/L (200 mg/dl) all day today and have had a few above 17 (300 mg/dl). This is despite upping my basal rates and using a lower I:C ratio. I am wondering if my sinus issues have turned into an infection, but my doctor claimed when I saw him a few weeks ago that if I don’t feel any pain, it’s not an actual infection (although he did say my sinuses were really inflamed/irritated). Unfortunately he also owns the walk-in clinic here so would know if I go for a second opinion, but I might go back to him and ask if he can do some test (if there is one?) to make absolutely sure I don’t have an infection. Because my blood sugars are just ridiculous. Is there some sort of test he can do, or some doctor he could refer me to who could make sure? Is there even any treatment beyond what I’m already doing?
Anyway, sorry for the slightly off-topic post but this drives me crazy. My blood sugars go high every time my allergies act up, and it wouldn’t be so bad if it was only a few months of the year but it’s almost year-round because I’m allergic to stuff indoors as well as outdoors. My endocrinologist said my body can’t tell the difference between fighting off a cold bug and fighting off an allergen, so it basically acts as if I have a cold for half the year which impacts my blood sugars like actually having a cold for half the year would …
My allergies also get worse each year. I sometimes wish my immune system would just calm the heck down! Not every molecule in the world is an enemy!!!