When you come down with a cold, flu, or stomach bug, managing your diabetes becomes significantly more complex. Illness causes the body to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause blood glucose levels to spike unpredictably, even if you are eating less food. At National Diabetic Supply, we want to help you prepare before illness strikes so you can manage sick days safely and keep your health on track.
Monitor Blood Sugar and Ketones Frequently
During an illness, blood sugar monitoring should be increased to every two to four hours, even throughout the night. If you rely on a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), keep backup test strips and a traditional blood glucose meter on hand to verify readings if you experience rapid fluctuations. Additionally, testing for ketones using urine or blood ketone strips is vital when your blood sugar remains consistently elevated. Ketones indicate your body is breaking down fat for energy due to a lack of usable insulin, which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) if left untreated.
Never Stop Taking Base Insulin
A common misconception is that you should stop taking insulin if you aren’t eating solid foods due to nausea or a lack of appetite. However, because illness increases insulin resistance, stopping baseline or long-acting insulin can quickly trigger DKA. Continue taking your basal insulin as directed by your healthcare team. Keep easy-to-digest carbohydrate options available—such as unsweetened applesauce, fruit juice, or regular sports drinks—to help maintain stable blood sugar when solid meals aren’t an option.
Stock Emergency Fluids and Hydration Supplies
Dehydration worsens high blood sugar and makes it harder for your body to flush out excess ketones. Keep plenty of carb-free liquids on hand, including water, clear broths, and sugar-free electrolyte drinks. Aim to sip small amounts of fluid every 15 to 30 minutes. Be cautious when purchasing over-the-counter cold medicines, as many liquid cough syrups contain hidden sugars and decongestants that can further raise blood glucose.
Prepare Your Sick-Day Kit with National Diabetic Supply Today
Having the right supplies readily available takes the stress out of managing unexpected illnesses. At National Diabetic Supply, we offer a wide range of CGM sensors, backup test strips, lancets, and insulin delivery accessories to keep your home medicine cabinet fully stocked. Explore our inventory today or sign up for our Subscribe & Save program to ensure you never run out of vital diabetes care items when you need them most!
