International Diabetes Center > Diabetes Self-care > What to do if You are Sick

What to do if you are sick

Continue your usual dose(s) of diabetes medication, even if you are eating very little. Your health care provider will tell you if your doses need to be changed. Check and record your blood glucose level every two to four hours. If your blood glucose level is less than 250 mg/dL, try to have one carbohydrate choice (15 grams of carbohydrates) for each hour you are awake. If your blood glucose level is more than 250 mg/dL, avoid caffeinated liquids and foods or liquids containing carbohydrate. Drink plenty of sugar-free liquids to replace the body fluids you lose during illness. Sipping liquids slowly will help them stay down if you are feeling sick to your stomach. If you have type 1 diabetes, check for ketones at least every four hours, and any time your blood glucose level is more than 250 mg/dL.

Back to Sick days