Sick Day Management

Sick with diabetes? Your usual rules change.

Your sick-day plan for diabetes. Simple steps to stay safe when ill.

Here's something many people don't expect. When you catch a cold, the flu, or any infection, your body sends out stress hormones. They can push your blood sugar up, even when you're barely eating. So here's the first rule. Check your blood sugar more often. About every two to four hours. Write each number down to spot trouble early.

The most important rule. Keep taking your diabetes medicine, even if you can't eat. Your body still needs it. Never stop on your own. If unsure, ask your doctor first.

Here's your whole game plan, on one page. One. Check your sugar every two to four hours. Two. Keep taking your medicine. Three. Sip fluids all day. Four. Eat small amounts if you can. And five. Rest, and watch how you feel. Five simple rules. Let's look at the two that trip people up most.

Step one. What if your stomach is upset and you can't eat a real meal? You still need a little something. Small amounts of easy carbs can keep your blood sugar from dropping too low. Think soft foods. A few crackers. A slice of toast. Some applesauce. Or warm soup. A little, often, is the goal.

Step two, just as important. Keep sipping fluids. When you're sick, it's easy to dry out fast, especially with a fever, throwing up, or loose stools. So drink something every hour, even small sips. Plain water, warm broth, or sugar-free drinks all work. If you can't keep any fluids down for a few hours, that's a sign to call your doctor.

Know when to get help. Call your doctor, or go to the emergency room, if your blood sugar stays high despite treatment. If you can't keep fluids down for more than four hours. If a fever over a hundred and one stays up. Or if you feel confused, or your breath smells sweet or fruity. These may signal a serious problem.

Here's a smart move. Don't wait until you're sick to get ready. Pack a sick-day kit now. Keep your meter, fluids, and snacks together.

Can you name the four sick-day moves? Check often. Keep your meds. Sip fluids. And call early. Don't wait to ask for help.

Sick days are tough, but they pass. The bigger question: how do you truly live well with diabetes, day after day? Not just survive, but thrive? That's next.