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Taking Care When You Are Ill
It can be particularly difficult to control blood glucose levels when you are ill or have an infection. You will cope better if you are prepared.
During an illness or infection your body releases more glucose into your blood stream to help fight the illness. This release of glucose makes it more difficult to manage your blood glucose levels – not what you need when you are already feeling unwell.
The following suggestions may help you cope better when you are ill:
- Test your blood more often than usual to keep track of your levels
- If you have Type 1 diabetes, it may be advisable to follow any high blood glucose results with a test for ketones
- Keep yourself well hydrated with sugar-free fluids
- Keep eating – you may not feel liking eating proper meals but try to have small amounts of food if you can or have carbohydrate containing drinks instead of meals
- Keep taking your all your diabetes medication including your insulin
And finally - if you manage your insulin doses yourself, be careful with how much insulin you take at this time. If you are unsure about how much to take, contact your healthcare professional. If you are finding it difficult to cope, if your blood glucose or ketone levels are rising too high or very quickly, it is also best to contact your healthcare professional for advice.*
