My Sick Day Plan (Page 3 of 8) in pdf

To help you remember the important steps of looking after your diabetes

just think of the word S-I-C-K:

Check your blood Sugar every 2 to 3 hours when blood sugars are high

Blood Sugar

(above 14 mmol/L) or more often if needed.

Testing

Record the blood sugar and ketone results, insulin used, food eaten and

fluid intake (see attached sick day record). Have it handy if calling your

health care professional for help.

Continue to take your Insulin. Often extra rapid acting or short acting

insulin is needed especially if glucose levels are elevated or ketones are

Insulin

present. If you are having low blood sugars you may need to reduce your

insulin dose(s).

Never omit your basal insulin as it is needed to stop ketones from

forming. See “Sick Day Insulin Adjustment” on page 4 to learn how to

calculate extra rapid acting or short acting insulin doses.

Try to keep Carb (carbohydrate) intake as normal as possible when

Carb and

you are sick. Your body needs carb for energy and to balance with

Fluid

your insulin. If you can only eat a small amount, focus on eating carb

containing foods. You may need to eat small amounts of lighter foods

or sip on carb containing fluids throughout the day to get the carb you

need. Also increase your fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

See page 6 for more information on eating and drinking while you are

sick.

Check for blood or urine Ketones. Test for ketones every 2 to 3 hours

Ketone

or every time you use the bathroom. Ketones are produced when your

Testing

body burns fat instead of sugar for energy. This can happen even when

blood sugars are not high if your food intake has been poor.

Record the results. Check the expiry date on your strips. Urine ketone

strips are only good for six months after opening. Forgetting to check for

ketones when sick is a common and serious mistake. Ketones are a sign

your body is lacking insulin and burning too much fat for energy. Having

large amounts of ketones and high blood sugar can lead to DKA.

Sick Day Management for People with Type 1 Diabetes

My Sick Day Plan Page 3