As a diabetic, you are well aware that controlling the condition is essential for a long and healthy life. But what if you become ill with, for example, a cold, the flu, or an intestinal virus? Illness complicates, but does not eliminate the necessity of managing either your type 1, or type 2 diabetes.
Illnesses that cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, will raise your blood sugar levels. Thus, even more frequent blood-sugar tests are necessary. It is suggested that diabetics who become ill test blood-sugar levels every four hours. In managing diabetes during illness, those of you with type 1 diabetes should also check for keytones in your urine, and inform your doctor if keytones are present.
If you become ill and are unable to keep solid food down, drinking liquids is essential. If unable to keep liquids down either, you should get to a hospital for possible intravenous nutrition. In any case of illness, type-1 diabetics, if on insulin, should not stop taking their insulin. However, if you have type 2 diabetes, and are using oral medication in managing diabetes, stop taking the medication, and check with your doctor.
Managing diabetes involves maintaining a steady intake of complex carbohydrates. An inability to keep solid food down means looking to alternative sources of carbohydrates. Portions of easily-tolerated foods and liquids that contain the carbohydrates necessary in maintaining blood-sugar levels include:
• ½ cup of regular gelatin
• ½ a Popsicle
• 1/2 cup of Sprite or 7Up
• 1/3 cup of apple juice
• ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup of broth or clear soup (calorie-free, if desired)
• ½ cup of a sports drink, such as Gatorade
Diabetes is controllable. Managing diabetes, whether during illness, or when otherwise healthy involves three basic and lifelong requirements, frequent blood checks, accurate recording, and proper treatment. This will virtually guarantee a long and healthy life.