You have diabetes and have been effectively managing it with a strict diet and regular exercise. Unfortunately, you become ill one day and fail to take the necessary precautions. As a result, your blood sugar levels rise, exacerbating your illness and making you vulnerable to diabetic complications. To avoid this, all you need to do is put forth a little more effort to take care of yourself.
Illness worsens diabetes
Illness is a source of stress to the body, and in response to stress, the body creates various hormones to battle it. Blood sugar levels rise as a result of these hormones. A non-diabetic person can utilize these elevated blood sugar levels, but a diabetic person may not be able to do so without insulin. As a result, medication and insulin dosages may need to be adjusted to assist the body in using the extra sugar in the blood. If you are unwell and suffering symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and changing blood sugar levels, you should see a doctor right away.
Calling your doctor
You should be on the lookout for warning indicators that indicate you should see your doctor right away. When sick, it is critical to check blood sugar levels more often. Blood sugar levels of more than 240 mg/dl necessitate emergency medical treatment. You should also test your urine for ketone levels. Ketones are created by the liver as part of fat metabolism, which occurs when the body utilizes fat for energy production rather than glucose. If you are unwell, your insulin levels may be insufficient to deal with the high levels of sugar in your blood. When there is a lack of insulin, the body breaks down fats, and ketones emerge in the urine. Other symptoms that necessitate medical treatment include a high fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrhea and vomiting lasting 4 hours or more, intense pain in limbs, and difficulties with speech, vision, and equilibrium. If the circumstance demands, you must not hesitate to call an ambulance. It is always best to check your doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs.
Rules to follow during illness
When you are sick, you must take extra precautions. To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of sugar-free drinks at regular intervals. If blood sugar levels are less than 100mg/dl, grapefruit juice, apple juice, and orange juice can be consumed. To avoid dehydration, drink caffeine-free diet cola, tomato juice, or chicken broth. If there is nausea and vomiting, it is best to rest for a few minutes before sipping soda without lying down. You can consume bread, cereal, soups, and mashed potatoes. If you are unable to consume both solid and liquid foods, you should consider intravenous fluids, which are fluids injected into a blood vessel via a tube. Consult your doctor before taking any medication, as several sugar-containing medications raise blood sugar levels.
You should never go out without eating while unwell. It can cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low, a condition known as hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia symptoms include hunger, weakness, palpitations, giddiness, convulsions, and may even result in coma. Blood sugar levels may also rise as a result of glucose synthesis by the body’s immune system. In such circumstances, a greater insulin dose or oral medicine will be needed.
Planning your sick day
Taking care of yourself when you’re sick might be much easier if you plan ahead of time. Make it a habit to check your blood sugar levels every 2 to 4 hours. Blood glucose levels must be about 200 mg/dl. Keep track of all blood sugar readings. Ketone levels in urine should also be measured. Instead of three substantial meals, try eating small, regular meals. Take water to avoid dehydration and rest completely. You can also keep milk, fruit juices, soups, popsicles, vanilla wafers, saltines, yogurt, cereals, sugar-free pudding, custard, etc., in hand for a sick day.
Sailing through a sick day
On a sick day, a diabetes patient requires all the care and assistance he or she can obtain from family and friends. A diabetic can go through a sick day without difficulties if they take all of the appropriate measures and care.
