Sick Days for Type 1 Diabetes

When you are sick it is especially important to:

Not worry about your blood sugar - just rest and get better

Check your blood sugar more often, check for ketones, drink plenty of fluids and seek immediate medical assistance if your ketone levels are positive, if your blood sugars are above target, and if you feel too ill to take care of yourself

Only drink fruit juice

Monitor your blood glucose every 2â€“4 hours, especially if you are taking medications or insulin to treat diabetes, to be sure your blood sugar is not getting too high or too low (hypoglycemia). Keep a closer watch on diabetes warning signs when you're sick - you may need immediate medical attention at an emergency department, especially if you are nauseated, vomiting or dehydrated, your blood sugar is very high or very low, you have ketones, or you can't control your blood sugar.

You are ill and vomiting. You cannot eat. You should:

Skip your insulin because you are not eating

Stop testing your blood sugars because you are not eating

Test your blood sugars more often, test for the presence of ketones and urgently consult with a medical provider or go to the nearest emergency room

It is even more important to test your sugar frequently when you are ill because sugars can quickly rise or become erratic. Insulin is still needed, even if you cannot tolerate food. If your blood or urine ketones are positive,and you cannot control your blood sugar levels or feel you cannot take care of yourself, go to the nearest emergency department.

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