When You're Ill

How Should I Handle 'Sick Days'?

As always, preparation is the key. Make sure you have some "sick supplies," like clear broth or diet soft drinks in the pantry so that they're near at hand. Also:

• Always take your insulin or diabetes pills, even if you cannot eat. Check with your doctor about the dosage.
• Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration.
• Drink at least 8 ounces (one cup) of calorie-free drink every hour (e.g. hot decaffeinated tea, broth, bouillon, diet soft drinks, water).
• If your stomach is upset, take liquids in small sips every 15 minutes to keep from vomiting.
• If your stomach is upset and you are unable to eat your usual meals, try to eat soft foods or liquids to take the place of the carbohydrates you usually eat in your meal plan (not sugar-free, but regular soda, sweetened tea, etc.)

How Often Do I Need to Chek Myself?

It's important that you monitor your illness carefully to prevent it from becoming a serious threat to your health. Be sure to:

• Check your temperature at least once every four hours
• Test your blood sugar level every two to four hours and record the results to give to your healthcare team.
• Test your urine for ketones every two to four hours
• Look for signs of dehydration, like a dry mouth, thirst, dry skin or decreased urination

When to Get Medical Help

Call your doctor or healthcare team without delay if:

• You have persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, or unusual symptoms
• You cannot keep down foods, liquids, or tablets
• Your urine ketone test is moderate to high
• You've been sick for more than 24 hours
• Your temperature is over 38°C or over (101° F)
• You experience signs of dehydration
• You begin to feel even more sick
• You've been very sick for more than 24 hours

 Check with your diabetes specialist nurse to see if there are other times they want you to call.

NOTE: If your doctor or diabetes specialist nurse is not available, go to the accident and emergency! Depending on the particular state of your health, your doctor may advise you of other symptoms that should alert you to seek immediate medical attention.

If you are UNABLE to eat meals, you can replace every 15 grams of carbohydrates in your normal meal with:

• 1/2 cup of regular soft drink (with sugar)
• 1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream
• 1/2 cup of fruit juice
• 1/2 cup of hot cereal
• 1 cup of broth-based soup (e.g. vegetable or chicken noodle)