It's really not fair when you're already dealing with diabetes, but even diabetics get ill with colds, the flu, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach aches, indigestion, and other illnesses. It's very important for diabetics to understand how to correctly manage their illness and to be prepared in advance by having the proper items on hand before a sick day occurs.
Talk With Your Doctor Before You're Sick - Consult with your doctor when you are feeling well and make a plan and a written list of items to have on hand for sick days. Your sick day plan should include a list of medications you must take, when to check your blood sugar, how to adjust your insulin, and when you should call your doctor or go to the emergency room.
Make a Sick Day Kit - Once you have a list, get a sick day bag and fill it up with the list of medicines your doctor recommends, with extra diabetic supplies, tissues, a list of appropriate food and drinks, and whatever else your doctor advises. If your recommended food and drinks come in cans, consider stocking up.
Check Your Blood Sugar Often - When you're ill, insulin may not work as usual, raising your blood sugar. It's important to check your blood sugar more regularly.
Take Your Insulin Injections - You may not want to keep up with your insulin injections, but you need it. You don't want your blood sugar to spiral out of control, so take your insulin as needed or as prescribed.
Check Your Ketones - Your doctor may recommend checking your ketones when you're ill, even if you don't check them on a regular basis. You check the ketones in your urine with a test strip. Your doctor will show you the method and will set you up with the proper test strips.
You've Got to Eat - You may not feel like it, especially if you are feeling queasy, but you have to eat. Healthy food is not only your fuel, but it's also excellent medicine. Some foods that you may find easy on the stomach include gelatin, cereal, toast, and soup.
Vomiting and Diarrhea - Be sure you have a plan with your doctor about what to do if you have been vomiting or have diarrhea. It's very easy to become dehydrated. Your doctor may advise that you try to sip water or some other fluids with sugar/carbohydrates if your blood sugar gets low.
Colds and Flu - Unfortunately, over the counter cold and flu medications can considerably affect your blood sugar. Many cough syrups have glucose, dextrose, and fructose, which are all sugars. Often aspirin can make blood sugar drop. It still may be possible to use the medicines to help you feel better, just use the ones on your physician's list.
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