I have type 2 diabetes. What should I do if I am sick with influenza or a cold?

Plan ahead. Talk to your health care provider to make a day plan for sick days. Diabetes can get out of control quickly when you are sick. Blood sugars can rise with influenza, colds and infection even if you are not able to eat. Things you should discuss with your health care provider include blood sugar goals during an illness, how you should adjust your diabetic medications if necessary, and when you should contact your health professional for help. Make sure you know how often to check your blood sugar.

How to take care of yourself
Always take your diabetes medication as directed unless your health care provider tells you something different. If you are not sure, or you are not able to take your medications due to vomiting, call your health care provider. Check with your health care provider before you take medications like acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) fever and anti-nausea medication (e.g. Gravol) for nausea and vomiting. Many non-prescription medications affect your blood sugar level.

Try to eat and drink the amount and types of foods and beverages that you usually consume. You should have extra fluids. Try to drink about 1 cup (250 mL) of liquid every hour. Even if you don’t feel like it, you should check your blood sugar every 4 hours. If your sugars are over 12 mmol/L, choose sugar-free drinks like water, diet gingerale, broth, tea, sugar-free Jell-O and sugar-free popsicles. If they are under 12 mmol/L and you are having trouble eating, you can drink clear liquids containing sugar like regular gingerale, apple juice, regular Jell-O and regular popsicles.

When to call your health care provider
Minor illnesses in people with diabetes can lead to changes in blood sugar levels and possible emergencies. You should contact your heath care provider if:

• your blood sugars stay consistently high or low
• you are vomiting and/or have severe diarrhea and are unable to keep fluids down for 12 to 24 hours
• your illness lasts longer than 24 hours or is very severe
• you have symptoms of dehydration, such as a dry mouth and very yellow or dark urine. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration.

An annual influenza immunization is recommended to prevent future illnesses.

For more information about diabetes and sick days, or for available programs and services, contact Health Link Alberta where nurses are available 24-7 to provide health advice and information. Call 1-866-408-LINK (5465) or 780-408-LINK (Edmonton area) or 403-943-LINK (Calgary area).