Illness can pose special problems for people who have diabetes .
If you have a cold, flu or infection, your diabetes should be monitored closely, because illness can trigger changes in your blood sugar level, affecting your insulin and dietary needs. If you are nauseous or vomiting and unable to eat, the amount of insulin you need may either increase or decrease, making blood glucose monitoring extremely important. If you are unable to tolerate solid foods, drink liquids such as soup broth, fruit juice, or regular soft drinks. If you cannot hold down fluids, your doctor should be informed to help you get through your illness safely. Once your appetite improves, you may be able to tolerate soft foods such as fruit-flavored gelatins, sherbert and cooked cereal.