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*
- 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 attached guide on ketone level results.
B-ketone test result Chart.pdf
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 – Don’t delay!
If you require a blood ketone meter please contact your GP or Diabetes team.
You can find out more information illness and type 1 diabetes by clicking the “More about type 1 diabetes and illness” button