Sick-Day Plan
When you are sick, your blood sugar levels levels can go up. So it's especially important to manage them during this time. If you're not able to follow your normal diet due to sickness, a typical sick-day plan is as follows:
- Take your diabetes medication as usual, even if you are not eating.
- Drink 8 ounces of a sugar-free, non-calorie drink every hour (water is best).
- Check your blood sugar levels every two to four hours.
- Take your temperature 4 times a day and write down the results.
If you're having stomach problems, try a soft food or liquid diet. Each of these foods contains one carbohydrate choice or 15 grams per serving:
- 1 cup chicken noodle soup
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of fruit juice
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces) non-diet ginger ale
- 1/2 cup JELL-O
- 1/2 cup hot cereal
Call your doctor if you identify with any of the following:
- You have type 1 diabetes and your blood sugar levels is more than 240 mg/dL
- You have ketones in your urine
- You can't eat or drink
- You have vomiting or diarrhea for more than 4 hours
- You have a temperature of more than 101 degrees for 24 hours
*Call your doctor right away if your blood sugar is greater than 240 mg/dL for 24 hours or if you have small to trace urine ketones for 24 hours.
Learn more about the necessary steps you need to take when you’re sick through the Covenant Diabetes Center.