Illnesses such as flu or gastroenteritis can cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels due to the stress of being sick and potential changes in appetite. It's crucial for individuals living with diabetes, to know how to manage their diabetes during illness to avoid both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia.
If you have Type 1 Diabetes, the following guide does not apply to you. Please consult your healthcare team for an individualized sick day plan.
As the following is a general guide, please consult your healthcare team for specific instructions tailored to your condition.
1. Check Blood Glucose
Monitor your blood glucose every four hours.
Set a reminder to ensure timely checks.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water, unless you are on fluid restriction
Sip at least half a cup of water or sugar-free fluid every hour
3. Take Regular Meals
Continue your regular meal plan as much as possible. Consider easy-to-digest meals, such as:
If you are unable to eat and your blood glucose is between 4 and 10 mmol/L, consume the following every one to two hours:
If your blood glucose falls below 4 mmol/L, follow the 15/15 rule to treat hypoglycaemia.
4. Advice for Diabetes Medication
Continue with insulin injections
Keep taking your diabetes tablets except in certain situations below.
If experiencing vomiting, having diarrhoea or poor eating/drinking, stop SGLT 2 inhibitors (e.g., dapagliflozin, empagliflozin)
If you have a significantly reduced appetite, consult your healthcare provider about adjusting your diabetes medication.
Seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms
Fever over 37.5⁰C for more than two days
Recurrent low blood glucose (less than 4 mmol/L)
Recurrent high blood glucose (more than 20 mmol/L)
Severe or persistent vomiting or inability to consume food
Severe or persistent abdominal pain
Feeling of breathlessness
Persistent diarrhoea
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