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GUIDE TO DIABETIC SICK DAYS
It's really not fair when you're already living with diabetes, but even diabetics get ill with colds, the flu, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach aches, indigestion, and other illnesses. It's very important for diabetics to know how to properly manage their illness and to be prepared in advance by having the proper items on hand before a sick day happens.
Talk With Your Doctor Before You're Sick - Talk with your physician when you are feeling well and make a plan and a written list of items to have in reserve for sick days. Your sick day plan should include a list of medications to take, how often to check your blood sugar, how to adjust your insulin, and when you should call your physician or go to the emergency room.
Make a Sick Day Kit - Once you have a list, obtain a sick day bag and fill it up with the list of medicines your doctor recommends, with extra diabetic supplies, tissues, a list of appropriate food and drinks, and whatever else your physician advises. If your recommended food and drinks come in cans, think about stocking up.
Check Your Blood Sugar Often - When you're ill, insulin may not work effectively, raising your blood sugar. It's important to check your blood sugar more regularly.
Take Your Insulin Injections - You may not want to keep up with your insulin injections, but you have to. You don't want your blood sugar to spiral out of control, so take your insulin when required or as prescribed.
Check Your Ketones - Your physician may advise checking your ketones when you're ill, even if you don't check them on a regular basis. You check your ketones in your urine with a test strip. Your physician will show you the method and will set you up with the proper test strips.
You've Got to Eat - You may not feel like it, especially if you are feeling queasy, but you must eat. Healthy food is not only your fuel, but it's also excellent medicine. Some foods that you may find easy on the stomach include gelatin, cereal, toast, and soup.
Vomiting and Diarrhea - Be sure you have a plan with your physician about what to do if you are vomiting or have diarrhea. It's very easy to become dehydrated. Your doctor may recommend you try to sip water or some other fluids with sugar/carbohydrates if your blood sugar gets low.
Colds and Flu - Unfortunately, over the counter cold and flu medications can drastically affect your blood sugar. Most cough syrups have glucose, dextrose, and fructose, which are all sugars. Often aspirin can make blood sugar drop. You still may be able to use the medicines to help you feel better, just use the ones on your physician's list.
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