Diabetes and Illness

How does illness affect diabetes?

Diabetes is harder to control when you are sick. The body releases hormones to help fight the illness. These hormones affect the way your body uses insulin, which can cause a rise in blood glucose levels. This means blood sugar can get very high during an illness. If the high blood sugar is not treated, it can make you very sick and become a medical emergency.

Are there things I should do to prepare for illness?

It is good to be prepared for illness with a sick-day plan. Your health care provider will work with you to develop a plan designed specially for you. The plan may include:

when and how to contact your provider
how often to check your blood sugar when you are sick (you will need to check it more often)
how you should take your diabetes medicines
the use of short-acting insulin during illness
what to do if you have a fever
what to do if you feel sick to your stomach or are throwing up
what foods and liquids are safe to eat and drink
if you have type 1 diabetes, when to check for urine ketones.

How can I take care of myself when I am sick?

Follow your sick-day plan.
Have your sick day plan written down where family or friends can read it so they also can know what to do.
Unless your provider tells you not to, keep taking your medicines when you are sick. If you are unable to take your diabetes medicine, call your provider.
Keep sick-day foods on hand and try to drink extra fluids.
Keep your provider informed about how you are doing (for example, whether you are getting worse or better).

How can I keep from getting sick?

People with diabetes are more likely to become ill. This is because high blood sugar weakens the immune system, which your body uses to fight infection. You can help prevent some infections by:

Staying up to date on immunizations (For example, get a flu shot every year. Most health care providers also recommend getting the pneumonia shot.)
Washing your hands often with warm water and soap, especially when you are in public places.
Checking your feet once a day for signs of injury and infection.
Choosing healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
Exercising according to your provider's recommendation.

For more information about illness and diabetes, contact the American Diabetes Association at 800-342-2383, or visit their Web site at http://www.diabetes.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File DHD3900F.HTM Release 9.0/2006