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What is a sick-day plan for diabetes?
A sick-day plan is a guide that helps you know what to do to prevent high blood sugar when you're ill. It may include a special meal plan and a list of medicines you should and shouldn't take. Your doctor or diabetes educator can help you make a sick-day plan.
What things should you include in your diabetes sick-day plan?
Things to put in a sick-day plan include:
- Target blood sugar goal during an illness.
- How often to check blood sugar and ketone levels (if you're told to do this).
- How to adjust the insulin dose and timing (if you or your child takes insulin).
- Which over-the-counter medicines you can take and which to avoid. Many nonprescription medicines affect blood sugar levels.
- When you need to get medical help.
- How to reach your doctor at night or on the weekends.
Diabetes sick-day plan for children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child has passed out (lost consciousness).
- Your child is confused or cannot think clearly.
- Your child's blood sugar is very high or very low.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child's blood sugar stays outside the level your doctor set for him or her.
- Your child has any problems.
Diabetes: How can you take care of yourself when you’re sick?
Being sick can raise your blood sugar levels. Be sure to call your doctor when you are sick. Work with your doctor to make a plan for what to do on these days.
- Ask your doctor if you need to adjust your diabetes medicine, and ask if over-the-counter and herbal medicines are safe to use.
- Drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration. Try to eat your normal foods. If you can't, try to drink soup, sports drinks, or milk.
- Check your blood sugar at least every 3 to 4 hours. If it goes up or down fast, check it more often and call your doctor.
- If you take insulin, check your urine or blood for ketones.
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