Good diabetes care and awareness of problems which may become more serious will help to prevent unnecessary admission to hospital.

If the person with diabetes is unwell, their blood glucose level is likely to be higher – even if they are not eating.

If possible monitor their blood glucose at least four times a day. If the blood glucose levels are 15 mmol/L or more, the Diabetes Specialist Nurse or GP should be contacted for advice. It is important to continue with all prescribed diabetes medication which means the person must have some carbohydrate intake.

If they are able to eat, but have no appetite

• Offer small meals and often
• Try replacing meals with small snacks such as jelly and ice cream, custard or soup.

If they really can’t manage to eat anything

• Try to ensure they drink plenty of fluid.
• Offer carbohydrate containing drinks such as milk, milky drinks or sugary drinks such as fruit juice (not squash), non-diet cola or lemonade regulary at two-hour intervals.

If they are vomiting it is important to contact their GP immediately.

Reviewed March 2010
Next review September 2011