Users Manual Part 5
Living with Diabetes 15
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15 Living with Diabetes
• Check your glucose again aer 2 hours. If your glucose has not declined or if
your ketone levels have risen or remain elevated, immediately contact your
healthcare provider for guidance.
15.5. Handling Special Situations
Sick Days
Any physical or emotional stress can cause your glucose to rise, and illness is
physical stress. Your healthcare provider can help you make a plan for sick days.
e following are only general guidelines.
When you are ill, check your glucose more oen to avoid DKA. e symptoms of
DKA are much like those of the u. Before assuming you have the u, check your
glucose to rule out DKA (see "To Treat Hyperglycemia (High Glucose)" on page
222).
To handle sick days:
• Treat the underlying illness to promote faster recovery.
• Eat as normally as you can. Your body still needs carbohydrates and insulin
for energy.
• Adjust bolus doses, if necessary, to match changes in meals and snacks.
• Always continue your basal insulin, even if you are unable to eat. Contact
your healthcare provider for suggested basal rate adjustments during sick
days.
• Check your glucose every 2 hours and keep careful records of results.
• Check for ketones when your glucose is 250 mg/dL or higher, and/or when
you are feeling ill, as ketones can also be present when glucose is in range
during illness.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s guidelines for taking additional insulin on
sick days.
• Drink plenty of uids to avoid dehydration.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist.
Exercising, Playing Sports, or Working Hard
Check your glucose before, during, and aer exercising, playing sports, or doing
unusually hard physical labor.