Diabetes During Illness
Answers to common questions about diabetes during illness.
Questions on this page
Why does blood sugar rise when I am sick?
Infection, fever, inflammation and stress hormones can increase blood glucose.
Should I stop my diabetes medicines when I am ill?
Not automatically.
Some medicines may need temporary adjustment depending on the illness, hydration, food intake, kidney function and risk of complications.
What are sick-day rules?
Sick-day rules are individualized instructions for managing diabetes during illness, including:
- Monitoring glucose more frequently
- Checking ketones when appropriate
- Maintaining hydration
- Knowing which medicines may need temporary withholding
- Knowing when to seek medical help
When should I go to hospital during an illness?
Urgent assessment is needed for symptoms such as:
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe dehydration
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Severe weakness
- High ketones
- Persistent severe hyperglycaemia
- Suspected diabetic ketoacidosis