Tips on Glucose Management During Sick Days

While we talked about why blood sugar rises during sick days previously, here are some tips about how to manage blood sugar during sick days:

1. Test your blood glucose more frequently: every 2-4 hours for people with type 1 diabetes, every 4 to 6 hours for people with type 2 diabetes or as your healthcare provider’s recommendation.
2. Measure your urine ketones more often, especially if you are using insulin: every 4 hours (type 1 regardless of your blood glucose levels) and every 6 hours (type 2, especially when blood glucose persistently higher than 300 mg/dl).
3. Contact your healthcare provider to find out whether your medications need to be adjusted during your illness. However, DO NOT change your medications without notifying your physician.
4. Because over-the-counter medications can affect your blood glucose levels, consult your physician or pharmacist which ones are safe for you to use before taking them.
5. A high blood sugar level can cause you to urinate more, keep hydrated by drinking more fluids, such as water or broth.
6. If you are not able to eat or drink as your normal routine, pay more attentions to signs of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Check your blood glucose more frequently and try to have foods or fluids containing carbohydrates every 2-3 hours.
7. Keep track of your insulin intake, medication use, blood glucose, and ketone results so the provider can make better decisions for treatment.
8. Contact your healthcare provider or seek medical care, if you have any of the conditions below:

• • • Persistent nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
    • Prolonged fever or worsening signs of infection
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Chest pain
    • Signs of confusion or disorientation
    • Blood glucose level consistently above 240 mg/dl
    • Urine or blood ketones above normal

When you have questions about your conditions and medications, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible and not to wait until your symptoms get worse or life-threatening. When in doubt or if you can’t reach your provider, go to an urgent care clinic or Emergency Department. ​