H1N1 poses threat to diabetics

While most people are aware that asthmatics are at high risk of having trouble fighting the H1N1 flu, people with Type I and Type II diabetes also are at high risk and should be vaccinated, state health officials say.

People with diabetes tend to have altered immune systems, and may not be able to fight off flu viruses or secondary bacterial infections as well as those without the condition. And, when people are sick, their appetites are altered. Diabetic people are prone to fluctuations in their blood sugar, and not eating could make those fluctuations worse.