Sick Day Management

Having a cold, the flu, or infection can raise your blood glucose levels. You can have serious health problems leading to a coma if your blood glucose levels are very high.

Be prepared for illness. Make a plan ahead of time for sick days. Ask your health care team

• how often to check your blood glucose levels
• whether you should check for ketones in your blood or urine
• whether you should change the usual dose of your diabetes medicines
• what to eat and drink
• when to call your health care provider

Printer-friendly version of the “Action Steps If You Use Insulin.”

Your health care team may recommend the following:

• Check your blood glucose level at least four times a day and write down the results in your record book. Keep your results handy so that you can report results to your health care team.
• Keep taking your diabetes medicines, even if you’re not able to eat.
• Drink at least 1 cup, or 8 ounces, of water or other calorie-free, caffeine-free liquid every hour while you’re awake.
• If you can’t eat your usual food, try eating or drinking any of the following:
  • juice
  • saltine crackers
  • dry toast
  • soup
  • broth or bouillon
  • popsicles or sherbet
  • regular-not sugar-free-gelatin
  • milk
  • yogurt
  • regular-not sugar-free-soda