A diabetic sickness is different than other sicknesses because your immune system isn’t as strong as a person’s without diabetes would be. This just means that you have to put a little more thought into it than another person would, just like you have to think through your meals and your daily routine. Learning the best ways to cope with sickness beforehand can keep a minor illness from becoming a major problem.
One problem that should be a major concern during a diabetic sickness is your blood sugar levels, which tend to spike when diabetics are sick. You may also be at risk of a diabetic coma during times of sickness. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), this is because when you are sick your body is under stress. In order to deal with that stress your body releases hormones to help fight the disease. Unfortunately, the hormones raise blood sugar levels and interfere with the effects of insulin. Therefore, during this time period it is harder to keep your blood sugar levels on target.
A Diabetic Sickness Plan
The ADA recommends that you make a diabetic sickness plan. Speak your doctor about circumstance such as when you should call your diabetes team, how often you should measure your blood sugar or ketone levels, what medications to take, and how to go about eating on sick days. It is also wise to compile a list of phone numbers for your doctor, diabetes educator, dietitian, and so on in preparation. You should have ways to reach them at night, on the weekends, and on the holidays.
MyOptumHealth.com also recommends various ways of coping with diabetic sickness. You may want to keep these steps with your diabetic plan, so that you don’t forget about them. When you are struck with a diabetic sickness, the following actions are recommended:
Check your blood sugar levels often. Many doctors recommend checking your blood sugar levels every 2-4 hours, but whatever your doctor suggests is best.
Test for ketones. Some doctors advise checking your ketones when your blood sugar levels are 240 mg/dL or above. You can fine over-the-counter ketone testing products. Test as often as your doctor recommends you to.
Keep taking your medication. Do not stop taking insulin or other diabetes medications when you are sick, unless your doctor recommends otherwise. You may need to take extra insulin to help your body fight infection, but do not do this unless your doctor advises it.
Eat as you normally would. Eat as close to your normal eating times as possible, even if you are not hungry. This will keep you blood sugar levels regulated.
Drink plenty of fluids. This is especially true if you have a fever, diarrhea, or have been vomiting. You will easily become dehydrated if you don’t. Sipping the fluids, instead of drinking it all at once, will help keep you from upsetting your stomach.
Be careful of over-the-counter meds. Some over-the-counter meds can have an adverse effect on your blood sugar levels. So, be sure to check with your doctor, or the pharmacist at the store, to see which options are safest.
