How should I manage my blood sugar when I’m sick?

by Specialist

For people with diabetes, sick days usually mean more than just sniffles and sneezes; a cold, flu, or any illness that makes you vomit or have diarrhea can also raise your blood sugar. The same is true for infections.

This means that it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Here are some guidelines.

  • Measure your blood sugar every 4 hours.

  • Measure ketone bodies if you have type 1 diabetes and your blood glucose level is higher than 240 mg/dl, or if your doctor recommends it. Ketone bodies are a metabolite produced by people with type 1 diabetes in response to stress, such as illness. If ketone bodies are found in the urine, you should seek medical attention. If the condition is severe, you may need to go to the emergency room.

  • Take your temperature regularly.

  • Drink fluids if you cannot swallow solid food. Drink 1 cup of fluid every hour while awake to prevent dehydration. If you cannot swallow liquids, you may need to go to the emergency room or hospital.

  • Do not stop using insulin, even if you cannot eat solid food. It may be necessary to eat or drink a sugary drink so your blood sugar does not drop too low.

  • When you are sick, you may need to stop taking your oral medications for type 2 diabetes. If you don’t know what to do, talk to your doctor.

  • If you need to use over-the-counter medicines to control symptoms such as cough and nasal congestion, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of sugar-free products.

What should I take?

Eat or drink 30 to 50g of carbohydrate every 3 to 4 hours. This will provide your body with nutrients and stop the production of ketones, and prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low.

If you are having trouble eating, try the lighter foods listed below. Each food equals one carbohydrate choice.

  • 1 cup clear soup or broth;

  • 1/2 cups plain jelly;

  • 1/2 cups of regular soft drink, such as Seven Seasons or Sprite;

  • 1/2 popsicles;

  • 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce;

  • 1/3 cup apple juice;

  • 1/2 cups of sports drink.

    • Choose a calorie-free liquid such as water and 1/2 cup of broth or gravy.

    When should I seek medical attention?

    Please seek medical attention if you experience any of the following.

    • Glucose is consistently above 180 mg/dl or below 70 mg/dl.

    • Unable to swallow liquids or solids.

    • Body temperature above 38.3°C.

    • Diarrhea or are vomiting.