Why a sick-day plan matters when you have diabetes?

A cold, the flu, or a stomach bug can do more than disrupt your routine when you have diabetes. Illness can make blood sugar harder to manage, even when you are eating less than usual. Having a diabetes sick day plan ready before you get sick can help you respond calmly and know when to ask for medical help.

Why illness can affect blood sugar?

Your body releases stress hormones to help fight infection and illness. These hormones can raise blood sugar, sometimes before you notice symptoms and even when your appetite is reduced.

Vomiting and diarrhea can create a different challenge. Eating less, losing fluids, and struggling to keep food down may increase the risk of low blood sugar, particularly if you use insulin or certain diabetes medications.

That is why illness does not affect everyone in the same way. Your response may depend on the type of diabetes you have, the illness itself, and the treatment you use.

What your diabetes sick day plan should include?

A sick-day plan is a set of instructions prepared with your diabetes care team. It should explain what to do when you become ill, rather than leaving you to make medication decisions while feeling unwell.

Your written plan should cover how often to check your blood sugar, when to check ketones if needed, how to stay hydrated, and what to do if you cannot eat normally. It should also explain which medications to continue or temporarily adjust, based on your treatment and medical circumstances.

Do not stop insulin or change medication doses on your own. Some people may need medication adjustments during illness, while others need to continue their usual treatment. Ask your care team for instructions specific to your medications.

Keep the plan somewhere easy to find, along with your care team’s phone number and instructions for getting urgent help.

Prepare a small sick-day kit

Gathering supplies in advance can make illness easier to manage. Your kit may include a copy of your sick-day plan, a glucose meter and testing supplies, prescribed medications, insulin and delivery supplies if you use them, and ketone testing supplies if recommended.

It is also helpful to keep a thermometer, suitable fluids, easy-to-eat foods, and fast-acting glucose for treating lows if you are at risk. If you have been prescribed glucagon, check that it is available and has not expired.

Check the kit regularly so essential supplies remain usable. The NDSS recommends reviewing its contents every three months.

Keeping track of your readings can also help you recognize unusual patterns. A consistent diabetes monitoring and tracking routine can make it easier to share useful information with your healthcare team.

Know when to seek medical help

Contact your diabetes care team if your blood sugar remains outside your target range, you develop persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or you are unsure how to manage your medications. Follow your personal plan for checking ketones and responding to abnormal results.

Seek urgent medical attention if you have trouble breathing, severe weakness, confusion, persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down, or signs that may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), such as nausea, abdominal pain, or unusually deep and rapid breathing. High ketone levels also require prompt medical guidance. If symptoms are severe or you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Low blood sugar can also become dangerous. If you want to understand how it may affect balance and alertness, read more about why low blood sugar can cause sudden dizziness.

FAQs about diabetes sick-day plans

Do I need a sick-day plan if I have type 2 diabetes?

Yes. Illness can affect blood sugar and medication needs in people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Your plan should reflect your treatment and individual health needs.

Should I stop eating if my blood sugar is high while I’m sick?

Not necessarily. Your food and fluid needs depend on your blood sugar, symptoms, and treatment. Follow the eating and hydration guidance in your sick-day plan, and contact your care team if you cannot eat or drink normally.

Conclusion

Getting sick is not always predictable, but preparing for it is possible. A written diabetes sick day plan, a ready-to-use kit, and clear instructions from your care team can help you manage unexpected changes and recognize when you need medical attention. It is much easier to make these decisions before illness gets in the way.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/living-with/managing-sick-days.html
2. American Diabetes Association – https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-care/when-youre-sick
3. National Diabetes Services Scheme – https://www.ndss.com.au/