Diabetes Sick-Day Planning: Prepare Before You Feel Unwell
Sick day? Have a diabetes plan.
Illness can push blood glucose up even when you eat less. Vomiting or diarrhoea can also cause low glucose and dehydration. A written plan helps you respond safely.
Ask for a personal plan
Agree with your diabetes team how often to check glucose, when to test ketones and which readings need a call. Keep contact details and testing supplies accessible.
Check your medicine instructions
Some medicines need temporary changes during illness. Follow your team's specific instructions rather than guessing or stopping all treatment. Contact them promptly if you are unsure, especially if you take insulin or an SGLT2 inhibitor.
Know when to get help
Seek urgent medical help if you cannot keep fluids down or ketones are present. Breathing difficulty needs immediate emergency care. Do not drive if you feel confused or too unwell to do so safely.
Need help with your next step?
Ask the Island Pharmacy TCI team for guidance. This article is general education and does not replace individual medical advice.
Sources
Sources checked: 23 October 2026.
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