Table of Contents
Introduction
Keeping diabetes under control requires careful balance, which is made more difficult when one is sick. Blood glucose levels can be greatly impacted by infections, illnesses, and other medical conditions; thus, it is important to adhere to a sick day management plan. These are some vital pointers to assist one in managing their diabetes while they are ill.
What Happens When One Is Sick?
If one has diabetes, they may experience elevated blood sugar from other conditions, which might be harmful. When one has the flu or another disease, the body releases hormones to combat infection. These hormones raise blood sugar levels. Additionally, they impede the ability of insulin and other medications to reduce blood sugar.
What Are Sick Day Rules For Diabetes?
Create a sick-day plan with a doctor that will help one avoid having high blood sugar when they are ill. Make sure the family knows where to store the plan and to keep it in a convenient location. Here are some general rules about sick days.
Understanding Illness
Any illness-related symptoms, such as a cold, flu, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bodily aches, are considered unwell. Knowing how to treat colds and the flu in children with diabetes is crucial, as they may still contract them.
Continue Taking Medications
When one is sick, take insulin as directed, even if they are not able to eat regularly. If one administers injections more than once a day, stick to regular long-acting insulin dosage and use short-acting insulin every two to three hours to cover carbohydrates and treat elevated blood sugar.
Track the ketone and Blood Sugar Levels.
When one is ill, check the blood sugar and ketones frequently.
1. Checks for Blood Sugar:
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Every two hours, if one is not eating frequently, check their blood sugar.
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To check during the night, set alarms.
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Try to maintain regular eating schedules and make sure to check before meals and before going to bed.
2. Checks for Ketones:
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When the body burns fat for energy, ketones are produced. Elevations in ketones may be harmful.
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Check ketones every two hours, including once at night, if they are vomiting or have a fever.
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During illness, check ketones twice a day if there is no fever or vomiting. It is important to check until one feels better.
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Always keep urine test kits and blood ketone test kits handy.
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If the blood sugar is more than 300 mg/dl or if they have nausea or vomiting, check the ketones.
3. Testing Ketones
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0.6 or below (Negative): Continue monitoring every two hours, sip water, and exercise.
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0.6 to 0.9 (Trace to Small): Drink water and keep checking every two hours.
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1.0 to 3.0 (Moderate to Large): Take extra short-acting insulin, drink lots of water, and make an immediate phone call to a diabetes care provider.
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3.0 and Up (Large): If the breathing becomes labored, give diabetic care provider a call right away. One may also need to visit the ER.
Foods Diabetics Should Eat When They Are Sick
Try to eat or drink something with 12–15 grams of carbohydrates every one to two hours, even if they are not in the mood to eat. This is especially important if the blood sugar is under 150 mg/dl.
Foods good for the stomach include:
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One-third cup ginger ale.
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Half cup of standard 7-Up.
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One cup of chicken noodle soup.
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One cup of cold Gatorade.
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Half cup of ice cream.
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Half a cup of sherbet.
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One-third cup of ordinary gelatin.
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One popsicle with added sugar.
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Three peppermints (if older than five).
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One cup of yogurt.
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One piece of toast.
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Six saltine crackers.
Make a Kit for Sick Days
It will be easier to have a sick-day kit with everything they need in hand if they become ill.
Perhaps one would like to add:
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A glucose meter.
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Extra batteries.
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Supplies for the continuous glucose monitor or insulin pump.
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Test strips for ketones.
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One week's supply of glucose-lowering drugs (which should be kept in storage for up to 30 days prior to usage). Stock up on sugar-free cough medicine, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, sugar-free lozenges, and anti-nausea medication for sick days.
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Gels or tablets for glucose.
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Medication for the flu or cold that will not interfere with diabetic care.
Maintaining Hydration
If one has diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Every hour, consume at least ½ cup of liquid. If they have high blood sugar, go for sugar-free beverages; if the blood sugar is under 150 mg/dl, go for liquids with carbohydrates.
Managing Vomiting
If they are throwing up:
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Eat nothing solid until it stops.
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Take antiemetic drugs such as Zofran or Phenergan.
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After taking medication, start with tiny amounts of water and gradually increase if no more vomiting occurs.
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If one has not vomited after a few hours, return to the regular diet.
Tips for the Flu and Cold
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As advised by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), especially for kids with diabetes be vaccinated against the flu.
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A low-grade fever can help kill the virus; nevertheless, look for high fevers and call the doctor if they continue.
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For mild coughs, utilize liquids like warm water with lemon instead of cough suppressants.
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Decongestants can aid with mucus and nasal passageways but may also increase blood sugar. If the nose is dry, saline sprays can help.
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Antihistamines are helpful for allergies but not for colds or the flu.
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For diarrhea and upset stomachs, Pepto-Bismol might be helpful.
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Know how to contact the healthcare staff after hours and always have their phone numbers available. Give the call again after 20 minutes if they do not hear back.
Additional Guidelines
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While ill, one could require more insulin. Never miss a dosage; contact the healthcare provider if they believe the amount should be changed.
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Check the temperature with a thermometer.
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Given the possibility of Reye's syndrome, children under the age of 18 should never take aspirin.
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If one cannot eat and has low blood sugar, use low-dose glucagon. Check the blood sugar every 30 minutes and modify the dosage if necessary.
When to Get in Touch With the Diabetes Team?
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When taking anti-nausea medicine, vomiting does not go away or happens more than twice after taking it.
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One blood ketone of 1.0 millimoles per liter or above, or moderate to big ketones.
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The illness does not get better after two days.
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One exhibits symptoms of dehydration, ketoacidosis, or other severe conditions (e.g., drowsiness, sunken eyes, dry lips, and a breath odor similar to fruit).
Conclusion
Taking preventative steps and paying close attention to diabetes management during illness is necessary. One may effectively manage their diabetes and prevent problems by regularly testing the blood glucose levels, staying hydrated, continuing medication, checking for ketones, maintaining a diet, and getting medical help when necessary. They should also maintain a thorough sick day plan at all times, working with a healthcare physician to ensure they know exactly what to do in case of illness.
