Insulin drives blood glucose, or blood sugar, into body cells so they can do their job. The foods we eat often turn into glucose. When a person with diabetes, either Type I or Type II, gets ill, blood sugar levels become harder to control. One of the most common mistakes made by people with diabetes who are sick is to stop taking their diabetic medicine. Even when you eat less because you are not feeling well, you need to take your diabetic medicine.
Illness can make blood sugar levels rise.
Besides taking your usual medicine, check your blood sugar level more often. If you have Type I diabetes, your doctor may also ask you to check your urine for ketones if your blood sugar is above 250. It is important to try to eat normally, but if you can't, try sipping on regular soda, lemonade or other sweetened drinks every 15 to 30 minutes. Call your doctor if you vomit more than three times in one day. Keep in touch with your doctor when an illness lasts more than one day.