Sickness and diabetes

People with diabetes do not get more illnesses than other people, but if you do get ill your control may be upset.

Common illnesses such as flu, sore throats or stomach trouble may upset your diabetes control, but blood glucose levels will usually return to normal once you are better.

Coping with illness

Here are a few important things to remember if you are feeling unwell

• Always continue to take your medication, even if you do not feel like eating (unless you have been specifically advised to stop it during illness).
• Remember to stay hydrated, drink lots of water (4-6 pints a day) – if you are being sick and do not feel like eating then you could try drinking some carbohydrate-containing drinks as a meal replacement.
• Consult the sick day rules for type 2 diabetes for best practice on how to manage your diabetes when you’re ill.
• If you monitor your blood glucose at home, you may wish to test your blood glucose levels more often, we suggest at least 4 times a day during illness. Make sure you get in contact with your healthcare team if your blood glucose levels remain out of the normal range for further advice.

Be prepared

• Flu vaccines are recommended for most people with diabetes, ask at your GP surgery.
• Keep basic medicines in the house such as painkillers and cough medicines.
• If you monitor your blood glucose, then keep a supply of test strips and sugary drinks at home for emergencies.