Monsoon Immunity Boost: Managing Seasonal Infections in People with Diabetes
The rainy season is beautiful—but it also brings along an increase in viral infections, digestive issues, fungal growth and low immunity, particularly for people with diabetes. Due to high blood sugar levels, many individuals are more susceptible to slower healing and more frequent infections during this season. It’s essential to take proactive steps to protect your health, manage blood sugar levels effectively, and boost immunity during the monsoon months.
This blog explains how to boost your immunity, recognise early signs of infection, and stay protected during the monsoon.
Why Infections Rise During Monsoon
Monsoon increases the risk of:
- Contaminated food and water → diarrhoea, typhoid: The rainy season often contaminates water sources and food, leading to bacterial infections that can be more dangerous for people with diabetes due to weakened immune systems.
- Mosquitoes → dengue, malaria: Stagnant water serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. For people with diabetes, these infections can lead to severe complications.
- Dampness → fungal infections, colds, skin issues: The moist environment encourages fungal growth, especially in skin folds, feet and nails, where warm damp conditions prevail. These infections tend to be harder to treat in people with diabetes.
- Low sunlight → lower vitamin D → reduced immunity: Reduced exposure to sunlight decreases the body’s production of Vitamin D, which plays a critical role in immune function.
For people with diabetes, even minor infections can trigger a blood sugar spike or drop and delay healing. This can create a vicious cycle where infections worsen blood sugar control and vice versa, increasing the risk of severe complications.
Learn more: Sick Day Rules for Diabetes
Common Monsoon Infections to Watch Out For
- Colds and Flu
- Symptoms: Fever, sneezing, sore throat
- Impact: These common viral infections increase stress hormones like cortisol, which can raise blood sugar levels unpredictably, making diabetes harder to control.
- Fungal Infections
- Symptoms: Itching, white patches, athlete’s foot
- Why it happens: Fungi thrive in moist skin folds, underarms, and between toes, which are more common during the humid monsoon season.
- Stomach Infections
- Symptoms: Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting
- Risk: These infections cause sudden blood sugar drops and dehydration, which are dangerous for people managing diabetes.
- Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
- Diseases: Dengue and malaria
- Caution: These illnesses can lead to complications such as low platelet count and organ stress, which are exacerbated when combined with diabetes.
If you feel unwell, avoid self-medication and consult your doctor immediately to prevent worsening symptoms and complications.
How to boost immunity and manage infections during monsoon for people with diabetes:
- Eat Immunity-Boosting Foods
• Include vitamin C-rich foods like guava, amla and oranges that enhance immune function and help fight infections.
• Add natural anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric, ginger and garlic to your meals. These ingredients have antimicrobial properties.
• Choose cooked food over raw, especially when eating outside, to reduce the risk of foodborne infections.
Get diet tips: How to boost immunity and manage infections during monsoon for people with diabetes- Nutrition for People with Diabetes (Link) - Drink Safe Water
• Always boil or filter water before drinking to avoid waterborne diseases.
• Avoid juices or drinks from street vendors, which may be contaminated during the rainy season. - Stay Clean and Dry
• Bathe daily using antiseptic soap to reduce microbial growth on the skin.
• Change out of wet clothes immediately to prevent fungal infections.
• Use antifungal powder on feet and underarms to keep these areas dry and free from infection.
Related: Foot Care for Diabetes - Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly
• Check blood sugar levels more frequently during any illness or infection.
• Keep a detailed record of your readings and consult your healthcare provider if you notice sudden highs or lows.
Learn how to self-monitor: Self-Monitoring Tips - Sleep and Stress Management
• Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep every night, as sleep boosts immunity and helps maintain stable blood sugar.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress, which can negatively impact glucose control.
• Limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.
Additional Lifestyle Tips to Stay Healthy
- Wear appropriate footwear: Monsoon conditions increase the risk of foot infections. Choose waterproof, breathable shoes and avoid walking barefoot in wet areas.
- Keep your living environment clean: Ensure there is no water stagnation around your home to reduce mosquito breeding. Use mosquito nets or repellents if necessary.
- Maintain hand hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap, especially before meals and after outdoor activities, to prevent infections.
- Vaccination: Consult your healthcare provider about flu and other recommended vaccinations to lower the risk of infections during monsoon.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention promptly:
- Persistent fever lasting more than 2 days
- Severe vomiting or diarrhoea causing dehydration
- Painful skin infections or wounds that do not heal
- Sudden and unexplained changes in blood sugar levels
- Breathing difficulties or chest pain
Early intervention can prevent serious complications!
Your health is your greatest asset, especially during the challenging monsoon season. Take preventive steps, maintain regular check-ups, and seek expert care when needed.
Book your appointment at Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre today and access personalised diabetes management and immunity-boosting guidance tailored for you.
- Schedule your monsoon check-up now
- Locate the nearest centre
Explore more health resources: Diabetes Blog
