Diabetics care - on a sick day

A diabetic should increase hydration at least by 8 oz/hour and if you are unable to eat drink caloric beverages such as ginger ale, apple juice or broth. Reducing or skipping the regular diet will lower the glucose level so it is better to maintain the usual diet, also adjust the type of food required to maintain the necessary nutrition.

Check your blood glucose every four hours and record it, incase if the glucose reading is more than 250 mg/dl then the urine ketoses should be checked. Consult with the physician if fever, vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours or if the symptoms are similar.

During sick days take complete rest and never try to lower your glucose levels by exercising. Maintain the intake of usual insulin dose, usage of insulin supplements may be needed to reduce high glucose levels caused by illness.