Having a cold, the flu, or an infection can raise your blood glucose levels. Being sick puts stress on your body. Your body releases hormones to deal with the stress and to fight the sickness. Higher hormone levels can also cause high blood glucose levels. You should have a plan for managing your diabetes when you’re sick. The first step is to talk with your healthcare team and write down:
- how often to check your blood glucose levels
- whether you should check for ketones in your blood or urine
- whether you should change your usual dose of your diabetes medicines
- what to eat and drink
- when to call your doctor
Action Steps If You Take Insulin
- Take your insulin, even if you are sick and have been throwing up.
- Ask your healthcare team about how to adjust your insulin dose based on your blood glucose test results.