When the body is fighting illness it will cause the blood glucose levels to rise. This is due to the body’s defence mechanism for fighting illness and infection-causing more glucose to be released into the bloodstream. This happens even if you are eating less than usual. Therefore when ill it is essential to manage your blood glucose levels as well as the illness.
At your diabetes appointments, seek advice about sick day guidelines as they apply to YOUR diabetes. Discuss with your diabetes team what to do in the event of illness, how to manage high blood glucose levels, when you should seek emergency assistance, and who to contact if you need advice out of hours. Have a list of phone numbers for your diabetes team and out-of-hours GP in a convenient place.
In an emergency when you do not have your own sick day leaflet, download the Sick Day Leaflet Type 2 for general information on sick day management. This information should be in addition to the individualised advice provided by your diabetes team.
Seek medical help if in ANY DOUBT or:
• Your blood glucose level remains high
• You are unable to eat
• You are vomiting or unable to keep down fluids
• Your temperature remains high
• Your glucose levels persist below 4mmol/l