When you’re sick

It's no fun being sick. But when you have diabetes, you may need to take special precautions. When you are sick, it may be more difficult to maintain your blood glucose levels within your target range. During illness your body releases hormones that can raise your glucose levels and thereby interfere with the blood sugar-lowering effects of insulin. This may require a change in dose of your insulin and so it is important to visit your doctor when you are ill.

Possible actions to take when you’re sick

• Measure your blood glucose and urine or blood ketones more often than usual.
• If you take diabetes medication, it’s important to continue to take it, even if you are throwing up.
• Be sure to keep your fluids up, and if you are having trouble keeping food down, get your calories from soft drinks or fruit juice.
• If you take over the counter medication, like cough syrup, be sure to check for dextrose, glucose, fructose or alcohol in the ingredients as they can all affect your blood glucose levels.
• Always see your healthcare professional if you are unsure about your symptoms or about what to do.

It's also helpful to put together a contacts list that includes daytime and evening phone numbers for your doctor, diabetes educator, and dietitian.