What If You're Sick
When you're sick
The best way to prevent a minor illness from becoming a major problem is to work out a plan of action with your doctor, for sick days ahead of time. Then when you become sick, you will feel safe and secure. You will already know what to do and you will have the supplies on hand to do it.
When you're sick your body releases hormones to fight the illness. These hormones can affect how your body uses insulin and can raise your blood glucose levels. So, if you're sick, you'll want to check your blood glucose levels more often than usual.
When you're sick your body releases hormones to fight the illness. These hormones can affect how your body uses insulin and can raise your blood glucose levels. So, if you're sick, you'll want to check your blood glucose levels more often than usual.
Tips during illness
Monitor. Check your blood glucose levels every 3-4 hours.
Food. Try to eat or drink your usual amount of carbohydrates. Talk to your dietician to cover your basic eating plan and to prepare a sick-day plan.
Liquids. Drink plenty of water and caffeine-free liquids. You may need regular soft drinks or sports drinks with sugar or carbohydrate if you have vomiting, fever, or diarrhea.
On Hand. Keep a thermometer on hand and a small supply of common sick-day medications that are safe to take. Be sure to consult your doctor to find out which medications are safe for you to use.
Insulin. If you have type 1 diabetes, you may need to continue taking your insulin, even if you can't eat. Ask your doctor about what blood glucose levels calls for a change in insulin dose.
When to call the doctor
You may want to call your health care provider if you experience any of the following:
You have been sick for 1 or 2 days and are not getting better.
You've had vomiting or diarrhea for more than 6 hours.
You have moderate to large amounts of ketones in your urine or blood ketone levels are 0.6-1.5 mmol/l or more.
You are taking insulin and your blood glucose levels continue to be over 240 mg/dl or the level decided by your doctor.
You are sleepier than normal.
You have stomach or chest pain or difficulty breathing.
You have signs of extreme hyperglycemia (very dry mouth, or fruity odor on breath), dehydration, or confusion.
This information is a summary from the "Complete Guide to Diabetes" and is provided with the permission of the American Diabetes Association.
It is a comprehensive book and recommended by the American Diabetes Association for those people that want to learn more.
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