Feeling ill

When we are unwell, we need to take extra care of our diabetes.

Just because you have diabetes, it doesn't mean that you're going to get sick more often. But if you do get sick, it might upset your blood glucose levels. Here are a few 'sick day rules' to help you manage when you don't feel very well. This is what we need to do.

Sick day rules

Keep taking your insulin. In fact, you might even need a bit more.

Keep testing. You'll need to test your blood glucose levels more often than usual.

Have lots of sugar-free drinks.

Check for ketones. You check for ketones by testing your wee or blood with a special test strip. You might need to get your mum to call your nurse or doctor if your ketones are high.

Keep eating. If you don't feel like eating, have something like soup or a little bit of ice-cream. Or sip some sugary drinks.

Call your doctor or nurse if you need help. Get your mum or dad to phone your doctor or nurse if you can't eat or drink anything and your blood glucose (sugar) is high, or if you're being sick and you're got ketones in your urine.

Remember...

• The most important thing to remember when you are ill is to keep giving yourself your insulin.