When you have diabetes, your nutrition when you are sick is something you should not take for granted. Blood sugars can be affected by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea and can be elevated due to illness. If you have diabetes, knowing what to eat and how to stay safe when you are sick is important to prevent potentially serious complications.
Sickness and Diabetes
Symptoms from common illnesses like the flu, a cold or a stomach virus can lead to complications for a person with diabetes. For example, since the body is under stress during illness, the blood sugars may be elevated. This can lead to hyperglycemia, or very high blood sugars. If you are having gastrointestinal symptoms and are not eating your normal diet, blood sugars may dip lower than normal. Extremely low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can be a dangerous condition.
Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels
During illness, it is important to maintain blood sugars within your target range as much as possible. This means continuing to monitor your blood sugars. Depending on how fragile your condition is, your doctor may recommend you monitor more frequently or have you perform urine ketone testing with special dip sticks. If your doctor recommends a specific number of calories or carbohydrates a day, try to consume that amount throughout the day using sick day substitutions. For example, you may need to have crackers and clear juices if you are nauseous. Dry toast, graham crackers and chicken soup are other sick day foods to have on hand. According to the American Diabetes Association, gelatin, applesauce and creamed soups may be easy on the stomach when you are sick.
Fluid Intake
When you are ill, fluids are important. Have eight to 10 glasses of liquid throughout the day. Water is a great way of getting fluids. If you are experiencing nausea or diarrhea, The Ohio State University Medical Center recommends potassium-containing fluids such as a sports drink, tomato juice or orange juice.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you cannot eat because of your illness or if you vomit for more than six hours, it is important to contact your doctor. In addition, if your blood sugars are running high or if you are having symptoms of dehydration, you should discuss a plan with your doctor. Your medications or diet may need to be adjusted due to your condition.
