How to Manage Diabetes When You're Sick

Colds, fever, and nausea are common for all people, but for the diabetic it is more serious. Illnesses can raise blood sugar levels. A sick day plan will help you manage your blood sugar levels.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glucometer
• Fluids and salty liquids
• Diabetes medication
• Thermometer

1. Take your blood sugar levels more often than usual. You should check your blood sugar levels every four hours because illness and a fever can raise sugar levels.

2. Drink plenty of fluids. If you have diarrhea or if you are vomiting, drink salty liquids. Broth, tomato juice and bouillon will help. Try to drink 4 ounces of fluid every hour.

3. Take your diabetes medication including insulin as scheduled. You should not stop your medication while sick. Medication and insulin helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. When ill, you may require more insulin. If you take pills and are vomiting, talk to your doctor about taking insulin temporarily.

4. Take your temperature at regular intervals. Record these temperatures in case your illness does not improve and you must see a doctor.

5. Try to eat. If you can tolerate food, try to stick to your carbohydrate requirements. Good choices are mashed potatoes, saltine crackers, dry toast, and dry cereal.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your health care provider if you are sick for more than 2 days and there is no improvement.
• Do not ignore blood glucose levels of 240 or more, twice in a row.

Resources

• American Diabetes Association