Introduction
Managing Type 2 Diabetes is itself a daunting task. And if you are sick, it becomes more challenging. When sick, your body’s natural defence mechanism kicks in. It starts releasing more glucose in the bloodstream, along with certain hormones. This can be a cause of serious concern for diabetic patients.
Why? Because if you have Type 2 Diabetes, your body struggles to create insulin to control blood sugar. If more glucose mixes in your bloodstream, it can lead to severe health issues.
So what to do when you get sick? How to manage your sick days, along with diabetes? Well, that’s exactly what we will discuss in this detailed information. You can follow these Dos and Don’ts of Managing Diabetes When You’re Sick to manage diabetes in a better way!
But first, let’s understand our body’s defence mechanism in more detail for better context.
Dos of Managing Diabetes When Sick
You can take certain steps to manage your diabetes effectively while being sick. These steps ensure your blood sugar levels do not spike, causing more trouble. Let’s check all of them out.
Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is essential when you’re sick and have diabetes. As mentioned above, your body releases more glucose when it is stressed to tackle it. And when you are sick, your body feels stressed. In such conditions, it becomes vital that you keep a vigilant eye on your blood sugar levels. Checking your blood sugar levels frequently can help detect these changes. This will help you take necessary action and keep your blood sugar levels healthy.
Your doctor can recommend the frequency and timing of blood sugar tests based on your needs. Generally, you should test your blood sugar levels at least four times daily when sick. But, depending on your situation, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent testing.
Staying hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential when you’re sick and have diabetes. When you’re sick, your body can lose fluids quickly. This can be due to sweating, vomiting, or diarrhoea, leading to dehydration. Moreover, you’ll be urinating more due to higher blood sugar. This can lead to significant dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your blood sugar levels can rise. This makes it harder to manage your diabetes. So make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. This will help keep your blood sugar levels in check.
But what fluid is the best option? Well, nothing other than water! Water is the best fluid to drink when you’re sick, as it’s free of calories and sugar. You should aim to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water daily. But, if you’re experiencing severe vomiting or diarrhoea, you may have to drink more fluids.
Continuing to take diabetes medications as prescribed
Taking your diabetes medications as prescribed is crucial when you’re sick. A lot of patients alter or avoid these medications when they are sick. Missing or altering doses can lead to high or low blood sugar levels. This can be a dangerous situation and sometimes even fatal. So it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions, even if you’re not well.
Talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble taking your medicines due to nausea or vomiting. They may adjust your medication or switch to a different one that’s easier to tolerate. But do not do it on your own.
Eating healthy and balanced meals
Eating healthy and balanced meals is essential when you’re sick and have diabetes. When you’re sick, your body needs proper nutrition to help fight the illness and recover. But choosing foods that won’t cause your blood sugar levels to spike is essential.
Eat regular meals that contain a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid foods high in sugar or fat, as they can cause your blood sugar levels to rise. The better option is high-fibre foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Ensure you do not eat processed or packaged food high in sodium and unhealthy fats. They can be very dangerous for diabetic patients, especially when sick.
[Also Read: 12 Specific Foods & Drinks to avoid with Diabetes]
Now, let’s look at some Don’ts when managing your diabetes when you are sick.
Don’ts of Managing Diabetes When Sick
We hope you are clear about what you should DO if you have diabetes and have fallen sick. But at the same time, it’s equally important to know what you should NOT DO during this time.
Here are a few Don’ts that you should know about:
Skipping meals or reducing food intake
We understand eating might not be a pleasant experience when you are sick. But skipping meals or reducing food intake can be a common mistake. This can adversely affect your blood sugar levels and health. Your body needs a certain amount of glucose to operate. Your body may turn to stored glucose when you don’t eat enough. But this can lead to high blood sugar levels. Skipping meals can also make you lead to more infections and slow your recovery.
So eating regular meals and snacks when you’re sick is essential, even if you don’t feel like it. Eat healthy and balanced meals. Make sure it has adequate carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as your doctor recommends. This will aid in your recovery process and keep diabetes in control.
[Also Read: Make Your Healthy Food Choices and Eating Plan]
Ignoring symptoms of high or low blood sugar
Your blood sugar levels can fluctuate when you’re stressed or not feeling well. So you should be well aware of them. Ignoring high or low blood sugar symptoms can be dangerous when you’re sick and have diabetes. So frequently track your blood sugar levels and know the signs of high or low blood sugar when you are sick.
High blood sugar symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, and fatigue. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, sweating, anxiety, confusion, and dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, check your blood sugar levels immediately. If the levels are off, take appropriate action as your healthcare provider advises.
Stopping medications without medical advice
Stopping medications without medical advice can be fatal when you’re a diabetic & sick. Medicines play a crucial role in keeping your blood sugar levels under control. So, continue taking your medications as usual, even when you’re not feeling well.
Stopping medications suddenly or altering the dosage can lead to blood-sugar level fluctuation. This can be life-threatening in some cases. Contact your doctor if you’re having trouble taking your medications due to any issues. But please do not act on your own.
Overusing over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications might offer you some relief in some cases. But overusing them can be a mistake when you’re sick and have diabetes. Many OTC, such as cough syrups and pain relievers, have high sugar content. Some can even interact with diabetes medications, leading to adverse effects.
So, consulting your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medications is vital. They can tell you which medications are safe to take and how to manage any potential side effects.
Ignoring other health issues or infections
Ignoring other health issues or infections can be a mistake when you’re diabetic and sick. Diabetes can weaken your immune system. This can make you more susceptible to infections and other health issues. So addressing any health issues promptly is important. If left unattended, it can affect your health.
Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing signs like fever, cough, or sore throat. They can tell you on managing your symptoms and preventing any potential complications.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s crucial to know when to seek medical attention when you’re sick and have diabetes. Certain situations need urgent medical attention to prevent complications and ensure your well-being. Here are some common scenarios to look out for:
Signs of severe high or low blood sugar levels
Severe high or low blood sugar levels can be life-threatening. So it needs immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention right away:
- Severe high blood sugar
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, fruity breath odour, or rapid breathing.
- Severe low blood sugar
Also Known as Hypoglycaemia, causes Seizures, loss of consciousness, inability to eat or drink, confusion, or severe weakness. It’s important to plan to manage high or low blood sugar levels and know when to seek medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Sometimes, a patient’s condition worsens during diabetes. If left unattended, this condition might be life-threatening. So it’s crucial to seek medical attention instantly if your health deteriorates. Here are some signs of health complications that might need immediate intervention.
Symptoms of complications from illness
Complications from illness can be a serious concern for people with diabetes. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:
- High fever (above 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or disorientation
- Difficulty staying awake
- Worsening of any existing complications (such as diabetic retinopathy or neuropathy)
It’s vital to stay vigilant for any changes in your symptoms or seek medical attention.
Urgent medical attention for diabetes-related emergencies
Diabetes-related emergencies, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), require urgent medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately:
- DKA:
High blood sugar levels (above 250 mg/dL), high ketone levels in urine or fruity breath odour. Sometimes, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, or confusion.
- HHS:
Extremely high blood sugar levels (above 600 mg/dL), extreme thirst, dry mouth, confusion, or seizures. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of these emergencies. Make sure you have a rapid-action plan to tackle this issue at any time of the day.
Conclusion
We understand it’s frustrating to deal with diabetes when you are sick. But you cannot change the fact that you have diabetes. So you need to prepare yourself mentally to tackle this issue. Diabetic patients might be at higher risk when they are sick. So you cannot ignore your health conditions and should take the necessary steps.
We hope this guide on “How to Manage Diabetes when Sick” has offered you much insight into the matter. Still, you can consult your doctor if you need more assistance or information. They can offer you a personalized solution to your problem.
Till then, stay healthy, eat hygienic food and stay happy! That’s the key to defeating diabetes.
References:
Take Care of Your Diabetes During Sick Days & Special Times
9 Dos and Don’ts of Managing Diabetes When You’re Sick
