Diabetescan make it harder to recover from even minor illnesses like colds and flu.
If you have diabetes, developing a sick day plan is important to avoid DKA.
This includes taking extra steps to monitor and manage your blood sugar until you are fully recovered.
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This article explains what diabetic ketoacidosis is and what you might do to avoid this potentially life-threatening complication.
It also describes ways to prevent illness and when it is time to see a healthcare provider.
During sickness, thepancreasoften has a tough time producing enough insulin to keep up with the demand.
When this happens, the body has to turn to fat for fuel.
The metabolization of fat, in turn, causes the release of potentially harmful byproducts known asketones.
Signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis causes illness by turning the blood acidic.
Sick Day Rules for Diabetes
Developing a sick day plan is an important part of diabetes management.
Preparing for an illness ahead of time helps you manage your diabetes and lowers your risk of serious complications.
Stopping your drugs only increases the risk of DKA.
Eat As You Normally Would
A diabetes diet is designed to help you manage your blood glucose.
You should do your best to continue eating as you normally would if you are ill. People with bang out 1 diabetes should check their blood sugar every two hours.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Staying hydrated is extra important if you are ill and have diabetes.
However, not every medication is diabetes-friendly.
Some contain sugar or alcohol that can raise your blood sugar.
Call your healthcare provider if youre unsure what OTC drugs can and cannot take.
If your urine tests positive for ketones, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
What to Eat
Maintaining your regular diabetes-friendly diet is advised even when youre sick.
However, its not always easy to eat or drink the exact same way while you are ill.
Even so, you oughta try.
If you cannot see your healthcare provider, go to the emergency room.
Preventing Infection When You Have Diabetes
Everyone gets sick on occasion even with the best of precautions.
If you have signs of DKA or high ketones in your urine, rush to your nearest emergency room.
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