What are sick day rules?
If you are unwell your blood glucose levels tend to be higher.
Types of illness to consider
- Virus
- Infection
- Wound
- Toothache
- Pain
- Stress
- Vomiting and Diarrhoea
What to do
- Continue to take your insulin, never stop
- You may require more insulin than normal, you may need to give correction doses of your rapid acting insulin every 2-4 hours
- Monitor blood glucose levels more frequently ie every 2-4 hours
- Check your blood ketone levels every 2-4 hours (see Ketone Monitoring below)
- Drink plenty of clear fluids
- Eat what you can
- Treat the symptoms / illness – you may need to speak to your GP or health care provider
- If you are unable to keep anything down, seek medical advice
Ketone monitoring
Everyone with Type 1 diabetes should have access to a blood ketone monitor.
If your blood glucose levels are above 11mmols/L and/or you feel unwell, you should check your blood ketone levels.
Ketone interpretation
Please see the following guide on ketone level results.
If you are unsure how to manage your diabetes during periods of illness, please contact your GP, Out of Hours Service or Diabetes team for support. Do not delay.
If you require a blood ketone meter please contact your GP or Diabetes team.
Find out more information about illness and Type 1 diabetes: