Sick Days with Diabetes Made Simple
Catching a cold, flu, or stomach bug is never fun. But for people living with diabetes, getting sick can be a lot more serious than just dealing with tissues and tea
That’s why a seasoned diabetes dietitian recently broke down what really happens to your blood sugars when you're under the weather—and what you can do about it.
Whether you live with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), understanding how the illness affects your body is essential. And having a game plan can help you stay safe and feel better faster.
Why Do Blood Sugars Go Crazy When You're Sick?
When someone gets sick, the body responds by producing more stress hormones—especially one called cortisol. Cortisol helps the body handle stress but it also raises blood sugar levels and makes cells less sensitive to insulin. This is known as insulin resistance.
According to the T1D dietitian, this is one big reason why your blood sugar can go way up during illness—even if you're not eating much. This happens in both Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
On top of that when you’re sick, you’re probably not moving around much. Less movement means less glucose is used by your muscles which again causes blood sugars to rise. It’s a double whammy: stress hormones and inactivity.
What Should You Do If You’re Sick with Diabetes?
A trusted Type 1 diabetes dietitian says the most important step is to have a sick-day plan. If you don’t already have one, it’s time to work with a Diabetes Educator, T1D dietitian, or T2D dietitian to create one that fits your specific needs.
Here’s what that plan might include:
- Adjusting insulin doses or diabetes medications
- Monitoring blood sugar more frequently
- Keeping track of ketones if you have Type 1 diabetes
- Knowing when to call your doctor or go to urgent care
Without a plan, things can spiral quickly. That’s why having a support team—including a diabetes educator is so helpful. They can guide you through exactly what to do before, during, and after an illness.
Hydration: Your Secret Weapon
One of the top tips from a T1D Dietitian? Stay hydrated.
High blood sugar leads to more urination, which means your body loses more fluids. Dehydration can become a serious issue, especially if you're also running a fever, vomiting, or dealing with diarrhea.
For people with Type 1 diabetes, dehydration can increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious, life-threatening condition that happens when your body starts burning fat for fuel because it doesn’t have enough insulin. Dehydration and high blood sugar together create the perfect storm for DKA.
So, even if you don’t feel like it, sip water and fluids with electrolytes regularly. Your body will thank you later.
Be Prepared Before the Next Bug Hits
A key piece of advice from this experienced diabetes dietitian is this: Don’t wait until you’re sick to figure things out.
Talk to your care team in advance. Make sure you know what medications you can take safely, how to adjust insulin if needed, and what symptoms mean it's time to get help.
Ask questions like:
- Do I have a plan if I can’t eat solid food?
- What should I do if my blood sugar stays over 250 mg/dL?
- How do I prevent DKA or severe dehydration?
When you’re sick, having clear answers makes everything a little less stressful.
Takeaway: You're Not Alone
Being sick with diabetes doesn’t have to be scary, but it does require a little more planning.
From building a hydration strategy to adjusting medications, a T1D dietitian, T2D dietitian, or certified Diabetes Educator can be your go-to resource. The next time you catch a bug, you’ll know exactly what to do.
