Do you have diabetes? This is how to control your blood sugar when you are sick!

If you have diabetes, even a simple cold can be a cause for concern. Why? Any illness, such as a common cold, fever, stomach ache, or vomiting, can cause your blood sugar level to spike. Not only that, but it can also happen if you get an infection. When our body is fighting an illness, it releases hormones due to stress, which can raise blood sugar levels. So, at times like these, we need to be more careful about our blood sugar than usual.

What should you do when you are sick?

Don't panic when you get sick. However, you should definitely follow these things to control your diabetes. We also call this a "sick day plan." It's best to talk to your doctor and make such a plan in advance.

• Check your blood sugar regularly: Check your blood sugar level every 4 hours . This will help you understand whether your sugar level is rising, falling, or remaining normal.

• Be aware of ketones: If you have Type 1 Diabetes and your blood sugar level is above 240mg/dL, or if your doctor advises you to do so, you should also check your urine for ketones. Simply put, ketones are a waste product that is produced when our bodies cannot use glucose for energy and instead burn fat for energy. This can happen during times of stress, such as illness. If you notice ketones in your urine, call your doctor immediately. Depending on your condition, you may be sent to the Emergency Department (ETU).

• Check your temperature: Check your temperature several times a day. A fever is a sign that there is an infection in the body.

• Drink plenty of fluids: If you can't eat solid foods, drink plenty of fluids. To prevent dehydration, you should drink at least a glass of fluid for every hour you are awake. This is especially important if you are vomiting or have an upset stomach. If you can't keep fluids down, you may need to be hospitalized or go to the ETU.

• Don't stop taking insulin: This is a mistake that many people make. Even if you can't eat solid foods, don't stop taking your insulin. When you're sick, your blood sugar levels rise due to stress, so you need insulin. However, talk to your doctor about whether you need to adjust your insulin dose. To prevent hypoglycemia, you may need to eat or drink something with sugar.

• Be careful with oral medications: If you have Type 2 Diabetes, you may need to stop taking some oral medications (e.g., Metformin) while you're sick. If you're not sure what to do, be sure to ask your doctor.

• When taking other medications: If you need to buy a medicine from the pharmacy to control symptoms such as cough and phlegm, it may contain sugar. Therefore, ask your doctor about sugar-free products.

What should you eat when you are sick?

Don't skip meals because it's hard to eat. If you do, you could end up with a sudden drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which could be a problem. So, eat something that's easy to eat, not too spicy, and easy on the stomach. Aim to eat about 30-50 grams of carbohydrates every 3-4 hours . This will give your body the energy it needs, stop the formation of ketones, and prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low.

If you're having trouble eating, try these. Each one has about 15 grams of carbohydrates.

In addition, you can drink calorie-free liquids (for example, water, diet soda, and unsalted soup broth) to maintain your body's hydration levels.

When should I call the doctor?

Sometimes it can be difficult to manage these things from home. If you have any of the following conditions, talk to your doctor without delay. Your health is the most important thing.

Diabetes, blood sugar, illness, insulin, ketones, dehydration, diabetes management