Managing Diabetes on Sick Days

When you’re living with diabetes, even a common cold or flu can feel more complicated than usual. Sick days often affect appetite, energy, hydration, and blood glucose patterns, which is why having a simple plan in place can make a big difference. Read our simple, supportive guide below where you will find what happens during sick days and how to manage diabetes confidently with practical steps you can follow at home.

  

Why Blood Sugar Changes When You’re Sick

When your body is fighting an illness, it naturally releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can:

• Increase blood glucose levels
• Reduce insulin sensitivity
• Make blood sugars harder to predict
  

At the same time, you may be eating less, drinking less, or resting more than usual. All of this can further impact your balance.

That’s why sick days require extra attention.

  

Diabetes Sick Day Essentials Checklist

Having a simple plan ready before you get sick is one of the most helpful steps you can take.

  

1. Prepare a “Sick Day Kit”

Keep a small kit at home with:

• Blood glucose meter + extra strips
• Fast-acting glucose (just in case of lows)
• Ketone testing strips (if recommended for you)
• Thermometer
• Easy-to-digest foods (soups, crackers, yoghurt)
• Hydration drinks or electrolyte options (low sugar)
    

2. Monitor Blood Glucose More Frequently

When you’re unwell, your usual routine may not apply.

Try to:

• Check blood glucose more often than usual
• Track patterns, not just single readings
• Note any unexpected highs or lows

If you usually use a CGM, keep an eye on trend arrows and alerts.
  

3. Stay Hydrated (This is Key)

Dehydration can make blood glucose levels harder to manage.

Good options include:

• Water
• Herbal teas
• Clear soups
• Electrolyte drinks (low sugar where possible)

Even small, frequent sips can help if you don’t feel like drinking much.
  

4. Keep Eating — But Keep It Simple

If your appetite is low, aim for small, gentle meals rather than skipping food completely.

Easy options include:

• Toast or crackers
• Rice or plain pasta
• Soup or broth
• Banana or applesauce
• Yoghurt

Focus on consistency rather than perfection.

  

5. Be Careful With Over-the-Counter Medicines

Some cold and flu medicines may contain sugar or ingredients that affect blood glucose.

Before taking anything:

• Check labels for hidden sugars
• Look for “sugar-free” options where possible
• Ask a pharmacist if unsure about ingredients
• Be cautious with decongestants if they affect you personally\
  

  

6. Adjust Your Routine Gently (Don’t Overdo It)

When sick, your body is already under stress. Try to:

• Rest as much as possible
• Avoid intense physical activity
• Focus on recovery rather than normal routines
• Take medications as prescribed

  

When to Pay Extra Attention

It’s important to be more cautious if you notice:

• Persistent high blood glucose levels
• Difficulty keeping fluids down
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine)
• Ketones (if you monitor them)
• Symptoms that are getting worse instead of better

If anything feels unusual or concerning, reaching out to a healthcare professional is always the safest option.

  

Recovery Tips After a Sick Day

Once you start feeling better:

• Slowly return to your normal eating routine
• Reintroduce regular movement gently
• Keep monitoring blood glucose as your body stabilises
• Rest if fatigue continues

Remember, recovery doesn’t always happen instantly 

Managing diabetes during sick days doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. A little preparation and a calm, structured approach, you can support your body through illness while keeping your blood glucose more stable.

Think of it as a “lower pressure routine” rather than a disruption. Y

Managing diabetes during sick days doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little preparation and a calm, structured approach, you can support your body through illness while keeping your blood glucose more stable.

Think of it as a “lower pressure routine” rather than a disruption. You just need prioritises hydration, monitoring more often, and rest.

 

1. Do blood sugar levels always rise when you’re sick?
Not always, but it is common. When you’re unwell, your body releases stress hormones that can increase blood glucose levels. Some people may also experience lower levels depending on appetite, food intake, or medications, which is why regular monitoring is important during sick days.

2. How often should I check my blood sugar when I’m sick?
It’s generally helpful to check more often than usual. Many people monitor every 2–4 hours during illness, but this can vary depending on your routine, treatment plan, and how unwell you feel. Always follow the guidance provided by your healthcare team.

3. What foods are best when I have no appetite?
If you don’t feel like eating, choose small, gentle meals that are easy to digest. Good options include toast, crackers, rice, soup, yoghurt, or bananas. The goal is to keep energy levels steady rather than eating large meals.

4. Can I take cold and flu medicine if I have diabetes?

Yes, but it’s important to check labels carefully. Some medications may contain sugar or ingredients that can affect blood glucose levels. When in doubt, choose sugar-free options and ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure.

5. When should I seek medical advice during a sick day?
You should seek medical advice if you notice persistent high or low blood glucose levels, difficulty keeping fluids down, signs of dehydration, or if your symptoms are getting worse instead of improving. It’s always better to reach out early if something doesn’t feel right.

 

If you're interested in exploring more about Blood Sugar Level Management, check out these other popular articles :

• Which CGM Suits Your Activity Better ? Dexcom vs. FreeStyle Libre
• What you need to know about Low Blood Glucose
• Feeling Low ? * Essential Tips for Handling Hypoglycemia

For more insights and resources, visit our blog.

Disclaimer: This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health provider with any questions about your condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 (US) or 000 (Australia) immediately, or visit your nearest emergency care center.