When you're sick, your blood glucose levels can rise even if you're eating less than usual. Having a plan can help reduce the risk of serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or severe dehydration. Individual sick day management plans vary depending on the type of diabetes, medications and other health conditions. Always follow the advice provided by your diabetes care team.

Continue taking your diabetes medications

• Never stop taking your insulin unless advised by your diabetes healthcare team.
• If you take tablets or other injectable medications, follow your sick day management plan or seek advice from your doctor or diabetes educator.

Check your blood glucose more often

• Monitor your blood glucose every 2–4 hours, or more frequently if recommended.
• If you use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), confirm unexpected readings with a finger-prick test if symptoms don't match your sensor readings.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

If you are unable to eat normally, try taking small sips of fluids regularly. Drinks containing carbohydrate may be needed if your blood glucose is low or you are unable to eat.

Check for ketones

If you have Type 1 diabetes or are at risk of DKA:

• Check blood or urine ketones if your blood glucose is above 15 mmol/L.
• Check ketones if you are vomiting or feeling very unwell.
• Follow your healthcare team's instructions if ketones are present.

Keep eating if you can

Try to continue eating your usual meals.

If this isn't possible, choose foods or drinks containing carbohydrate such as:

• Soup
• Yoghurt
• Custard
• Milk
• Fruit juice
• Oral rehydration drinks (if recommended)

Seek urgent medical advice if you:

• Cannot keep fluids down.
• Have persistent vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Have moderate or high ketones.
• Have blood glucose that remains high despite insulin.
• Experience difficulty breathing.
• Become drowsy or confused.

If symptoms are severe, call 000 or attend your nearest Emergency Department.

Before you become sick

Prepare a diabetes sick day kit containing:

• Blood glucose meter and strips
• Ketone testing supplies
• Extra Insulin and pens/pump supplies
• Extra CGM supplies (if used)
• Fast-acting glucose
• Oral rehydration solution
• Your sick day management plan (print this out!)
• Emergency contact numbers

Important

This information is intended as a general guide only and does not replace advice from your doctor, diabetes educator or specialist. If you are unsure how to manage your diabetes while unwell, seek medical advice promptly.