SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/diab-sick-check-often

When someone with diabetes catches a cold or flu, how often should they check blood sugar?

More often than usual, about every 2 to 4 hours.

  1. Less often, to rest
  2. More often, about every 2 to 4 hours ✔
  3. Only after the illness is over

Why: Illness and stress release hormones that can push blood sugar up, so check more often, keep notes and follow your sick-day plan. Call your care team if numbers stay high.

Huh, didn't know that: ADA suggests making a written sick-day plan with your care team before you get sick, including when to call the doctor.

The dad joke
Why check more often on sick days? Colds can change the numbers too.
Like this card?
Play the game

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus, Diabetes: when you are sick https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000079.htm
  2. ADA, Planning for Sick Days https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/sick-days

Test yourself in the game

Health BasicsAn A1C test shows your average blood sugar over about how long?Health BasicsWith a continuous glucose monitor, what target range is used for 'time in range' for most people?Health BasicsIf you have diabetes, are sick, and have trouble keeping water down, what does the ADA suggest?

That's stuff everyone should know.