Adapting to Diabetes - Planning ahead for sick days
Naturally, some days are going to be better than others, and we all have times where we feel under the weather. So how can you be prepared to handle things when you are ill or experience blood sugar highs and lows that leave you feeling unwell? Here are a few tips…
Write out a sick-day plan
Having a plan on paper will make it easier to manage your diabetes when you have a fever, experience nausea or have body aches. When you are sick, your body is stressed, which may cause fluctuations with your blood sugar.
Your healthcare professional can help you, but here are a few tips to consider when developing your sick-day plan:
- Have sick-day foods on hand that help you maintain your meal plan. Low-salt canned soups or sweetened tea can deliver the carbohydrates you need without upsetting your stomach.
- Take your insulin or medication as prescribed.
- Drink lots of caffeine-free liquids to keep hydrated. If you are nauseated, take small sips that will stay down.
- Check and record your blood sugar regularly.
- Know when to call your healthcare professional and list their contact details on your plan.
Have a plan for when your blood sugar drops
Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, is the most common short-term complication of insulin therapy2. So if you are on insulin or other medication that reduces blood sugar you need to be prepared and know how to deal with low blood sugar. If you’re not sure whether this applies to you, ask your healthcare professional.
- Know your own target ranges and trust your body.
- If you think you have low blood sugar, check your blood sugar level.
- If your blood sugar level is below your target range, eat or drink 15-20g fast acting carbohydrates, which could include sweets, glucose or dextrose tablets or a sugary drink1.
Be prepared for your blood sugar to be high occasionally
Hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar, can occur when you feel sick. If you think you are at risk of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), contact your healthcare professional immediately.
Everyone can expect to have a sick day now and again. Taking an hour to plan for those days will make them much easier to deal with when they arrive.
References
1. Diabetes UK, 2018. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Complications/Hypos/Having-a-hypo
2. Diabetes UK, 2018. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Complications/Hypos
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