Why is it so much harder to control my blood glucose when I am sick?

When you have diabetes and you’re sick, your body is also stressed. To deal with this stress, your body releases hormones that help you fight the illness. But these hormones also counteract the effect of insulin in lowering blood glucose and cause blood glucose levels to go up. Sickness can cause your diabetes to go out of control. Extremely high blood glucose levels caused by illness can also lead to diabetic ketoacidosis in people with type 1 diabetes, so you may need to test your urine for ketones.  In people with type 2 diabetes illness can lead to hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS).

Blood glucose monitoring is especially important during any bout of sickness. Even if you have type 2 diabetes and only monitor once a day, you may want to keep a closer check during times of illness. Be sure to talk to your health care team before you get ill about what you should do in the event of illness. You and your health care team can work together to come up with a plan to help you handle common illnesses such as colds or the flu.

Stress is an amazing component of life. There is stress from everyday life events, which is considered a mental form of stress. Then, there is stress from a physical illness. Both forms of stress can increase your blood sugar levels. As an easy rule to remember, whenever you are mentally or physically stressed, take your blood sugar at least every four hours. Call your healthcare provider with any concerns your may have. Taking charge of your life is a key to a healthy and happy one!

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