Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional before making any treatment changes.
Managing diabetes when you’re sick or have an infection requires extra attention, as illness can cause your blood sugar levels to rise, even if you’re not eating normally. Infections, colds, flu, and other health issues can disrupt your usual diabetes routine, making it important to adjust your care plan to avoid complications.
Best Practices for Managing Diabetes During Illness
1. Monitor Your Blood Sugar More Frequently: When you’re sick, check your blood sugar levels every 3-4 hours, even during the night. Illness can cause blood sugar to spike or, if you’re not eating, drop dangerously low. Keep a close watch to ensure it stays within a safe range.
2. Keep Taking Your Diabetes Medication: Even if you’re not eating as usual, continue taking your insulin or oral diabetes medications. Illness can still raise blood sugar levels, so your medication is essential. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure how to adjust doses while sick.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, broth, or sugar-free drinks. Dehydration can worsen blood sugar control, so aim to sip fluids throughout the day. If your blood sugar is low, drink fluids that contain sugar like juice or sports drinks.
4. Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Even if you don’t have an appetite, try to eat small portions of foods that are easy to digest, such as soup, crackers, or applesauce. If you can’t eat solid foods, choose liquids with carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar levels steady.
5. Check for Ketones: If you have Type 1 diabetes or if your blood sugar exceeds 240 mg/dL, check for ketones in your urine using a ketone test kit. High ketone levels can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
6. Call Your Healthcare Provider: If your blood sugar stays too high or too low despite your efforts, or if you have symptoms like vomiting, high fever, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly.
By following these best practices, you can manage your diabetes effectively and reduce the risk of complications during illness.
References:
1. American Diabetes Association. (2024). *Managing Diabetes When You’re Sick*. Retrieved from [diabetes.org]
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). *Diabetes and Illness*. Retrieved from [cdc.gov]
3. Mayo Clinic. (2024). *Sick Day Guidelines for Diabetes*. Retrieved from [mayoclinic.org]
