Manage medicine

When you’re sick, your blood sugar can be high even if you’re not eating much. So you need to take your diabetes medicine on time. You might need extra medicine. If you take diabetes pills, you may also need to take insulin until you’ve recovered. And if you already take insulin, you may need more than usual.

Monitor glucose

When you’re ill, check your blood glucose often. Have someone help you if you can’t do it. You may need to check ketones, too. Record the results in case you need to report them to your healthcare provider.

Watch food and fluids

Try to follow your diabetes meal plan. Drink plenty of calorie-free fluids, especially water. These help rid your body of extra glucose. And they prevent dehydration. If you can’t eat solid food, you may need to have some soup or drinks that contain sugar, such as apple juice. You could also try licking a soothing ice pop. Or eat small bits of saltine crackers. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about what you should eat or drink. 

Make a plan

The best way to cope with illness is to make a sick-day plan. Do this before you get sick. Work with your diabetes care team. Find out what type of diabetes medicine to take while sick and how much you will need. Ask how often you should check blood glucose and ketones. Check with your healthcare provider what sugar-free cold medicines that are safe for you to take. Write down food and drink choices for when you can’t eat normally. Make sure to have some on hand in case you get sick. Write down the phone numbers of your diabetes care team so that you can reach them quickly if needed. Some diabetes care teams want you to call every day for instructions.  

When to get help

According to the American Diabetes Association, you should call for help if:

• You feel sleepy and can't think clearly.

• You can't eat for more than 6 hours and can't keep any food down.

• You lose 5 or more pounds when you're not trying to lose weight.

• You have other signs of dehydration, such as dry lips or tongue.

• Your temperature increases to over 101° F (38° C), or as directed by your healthcare provider.

• You feel sick or have fever several days and aren't getting better. 

• Your blood glucose stays over 240 mg/dL even with extra insulin. 

• You have trouble breathing.

• You have diarrhea or vomiting for more than 6 hours.

• You have ketones in your urine or your breath smells fruity. 

With a plan in place, you’ll have peace of mind the next time illness or injury hits.