Those who are diabetic have to pay special attention to their health by adhering to a strict diet and exercise regime. However, when a diabetic is hit with a cold or flu, he or she has to take extra care. If not, blood sugar levels may shoot up, aggravating sickness even more and increasing the risk of diabetic complications. To prevent this from happening, there are several steps a diabetic should take to ensure a speedy recovery.

Illness and Diabetes

Being sick is stressful for the body. To combat an illness, the body produces certain hormones, which cause an increase in blood sugar levels. A non-diabetic can utilize the increased levels of sugar in the blood, but someone with diabetes may lack the necessary insulin to do so. Therefore, individuals may need to adjust their medication and insulin dosage to help the body use the increased sugar in the blood.

A diabetic should always consult with their doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications. For any symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and fluctuating blood sugar levels, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

With any illness, it is advisable to give a doctor a call, especially with warning signs such as nausea or vomiting. In addition, it is essential to frequently check blood sugar levels. A blood sugar level of more than 240 mg/dl needs immediate medical attention.

Also closely monitor urine ketone levels; ketones are produced by the liver when the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy production. Ketone test results should always be negative. Contact a physician if any ketones appear in urine, as high ketone levels could lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition.

Other symptoms that demand medical attention include a fever that is more than 100 F, diarrhea and vomiting for four hours or more, severe pain in moving limbs, and problems with speech, vision, and equilibrium. If the situation demands, do not hesitate to call for emergency care.

While sick, drink plenty of sugar-free fluids to prevent dehydration. Any drinks that contain sugar, such as grapefruit, apple, or orange juice, should be no higher than 100mg/dl. Tomato juice and chicken broth both provide some nutrition while preventing dehydration.

For vomiting or feelings of nausea, drinking soda may help raise blood sugar levels. While rest is important, do not lie down until nausea has passed. Low-sugar foods such as bread, cereal, soup, and mashed potatoes can also be consumed.

Illness can make people lose their appetite. However, do not go without food during a sickness, especially those with diabetes because blood sugar levels may fall to an alarming level, a condition called hypoglycemia. The symptoms of hypoglycemia include hunger, weakness, palpitations, giddiness, and convulsions. For those who are unable to take solid and liquid foods together, a doctor may prescribe intravenous fluids.

Blood sugar levels may also rise due to production of glucose by the body’s immune system. In such cases, a higher dose of insulin or oral medication will be necessary. Left untreated, hypoglycemia may lead to a coma.

No one ever intends to get sick, but it is wise for someone with diabetes to have a game plan in place for when they do fall ill. Foods such as milk, fruit juices, soups, popsicles, vanilla wafers, saltines, yogurt, cereals, sugar-free pudding, and custard should be kept stocked in the kitchen.

When sick, eating small frequent meals rather than three large meals can help maintain nutrition while combating nausea. Drink plenty of fluids, and get rest. Check blood sugar levels regularly and keep a detailed record of the results; levels should be around 200 mg/dl. Also, frequently check for ketone levels in urine.

Sailing through a Sick Day

A diabetic needs all the support and help he or she can get from family and friends on a sick day. By taking necessary precautions and extra care, a diabetic can smoothly sail through an illness and quickly return to health.