If you are experiencing symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, please use this self-assessment to help determine how to seek further care.
Sick days can happen at any time. But if you have diabetes and become sick, it can be very challenging. Most illnesses will cause your blood sugars to rise. This is because your body tries to fight illness by releasing hormones from your liver which release glucose. As a result, your blood glucose rises, sometimes to dangerously high levels. Therefore, it is important to have a plan to manage sick days so you are prepared ahead of time.
The following tips offer some general guidance.
For specific guidelines for:
Type 1 (adults and teens), click here
Type 1 Children, click here
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Sick Day Plan 1. Test your blood sugar every four hours.
If you are unable to drink enough fluid to keep hydrated, click here.
If your blood glucose levels are high (over 14), drink sugar-free liquids such as water, broth or sugar-free, caffeine-free soft drink. If your blood glucose levels are low, drink sugar based liquids such as regular soft drinks, milk or fruit juices.
Try to stick to your regular meal plan if you can. If you are unable to eat, have fluids or snacks every 1 -2 hours such as applesauce, gelatin, crackers, dry toast, soup, popsicles, or sherbet.
It can be difficult to manage your diabetes on your own when you are sick. Let a family member or friend know that you are sick and ask them to check in on you regularly. Be sure someone knows how to test your blood glucose and give your insulin if you need help when you are unwell. |
1.You have been vomiting or had diarrhea for more than six hours
2.You have been unable to eat or drink for more than four hours
3.You have been sick for more than 24 to 48 hours
4.You have had high blood glucose for longer than 24 to 48 hours, with or without urine ketones
5.You are unable to care for yourself
6.You're not sure what to do
7.You begin to feel sicker