Managing Diabetes During Sick Days: A Comprehensive Guide

When you have diabetes, sick days can be more challenging than just dealing with a runny nose or a cough. Illnesses like colds, the flu, or any condition that causes vomiting or diarrhea can lead to a rise in your blood sugar levels. Infections can also have a similar effect. To stay healthy and avoid complications, it's crucial to monitor your blood sugar closely during sick days.

Steps to Take During Sick Days

1. Check your blood sugar every 4 hours to stay on top of any changes.

2. If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood sugar is above 240mg/dL, or if your doctor advises you to do so, test for ketones. Ketones are a type of waste produced by people with type 1 diabetes when they're under stress, such as during an illness. If you find ketones in your urine, call your doctor, as you may need to go to the emergency room depending on the severity of your illness.

3. Monitor your temperature regularly to keep track of any fever.

4. If you can't keep solid food down, make sure to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. Aim for one cup of liquid every hour while you're awake. If you can't hold down liquids, you may need to seek medical attention at the emergency room or hospital.

5. Don't stop taking your insulin, even if you can't eat solid food. You may need to consume something with sugar to prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low.

6. If you take oral medications for type 2 diabetes, you may need to stop taking them temporarily while you're sick. Consult your doctor if you're unsure about what to do.

7. When using over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms like cough or nasal congestion, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of sugar-free products.

What to Eat During Sick Days

When you're sick, it's important to consume 30 to 50 grams of carbohydrates every 3 to 4 hours to keep your body nourished, prevent ketone production, and avoid low blood sugar. If you're struggling to eat solid foods, try these bland options, each of which equals one carbohydrate choice:

• 1/2 cup regular gelatin

• 1/2 cup regular soft drink, like 7-up or Sprite

• 1/2 Popsicle

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1/3 cup apple juice

• 1/2 cup sports drink, like Gatorade

To stay hydrated, choose calorie-free liquids like water, diet soda, or clear broth or bouillon.

When to Seek Medical Help

Contact your doctor's office if:

• Your blood sugar stays higher than 180 mg/dL or lower than 70 mg/dL.

• You can't keep liquids or solids down.

• You have a temperature over 101°F.

• You have diarrhea or are vomiting.

Remember, managing your diabetes during sick days is crucial for maintaining your health and preventing complications. By following these guidelines and staying in touch with your healthcare team, you can navigate through illness with confidence.

For more information on managing diabetes during sick days, visit:

• American Diabetes Association - Planning Sick Days

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Flu and Sick Days

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Sick Days