Take Care of Your Diabetes During Sick Days & Special Times
Diabetes is part of your life. You can learn how to take care of yourself and your diabetes when you’re sick, when you’re at school or work, when you’re away from home, when an emergency or a natural disaster happens, or when you’re thinking about having a baby or are pregnant.
When You’re Sick
Having a cold, the flu, or an infection can raise your blood glucose levels. Being sick puts stress on your body. Your body releases hormones to deal with the stress and to fight the sickness. Higher hormone levels can also cause high blood glucose levels. You should have a plan for managing your diabetes when you’re sick. The first step is to talk with your health care team and write down
how often to check your blood glucose levels
whether you should check for ketones in your blood or urine
whether you should change your usual dose of your diabetes medicines
what to eat and drink
when to call your doctor
If You Take Insulin
Take your insulin, even if you are sick and have been throwing up.
Ask your health care team about how to adjust your insulin dose based on your blood glucose test results.
If You Don't Take Insulin
Take your diabetes medicines, even if you are sick and have been throwing up.
People who are sick sometimes feel as though they can’t eat as much or can’t keep food down, which can cause low blood glucose levels. Consuming carbohydrate-rich drinks or snacks can help prevent low blood glucose.
If you are sick, your health care team may recommend the following:
Check your blood glucose levels at least four times a day and write Continue reading