Monitoring blood glucose is important every day - but it's especially important when you are sick. In that case, you should test your glucose levels every 3 to 4 hours - day and night. Set your alarm clock to do a nighttime measurement; if you are too sick, have someone do it for you.

If you have type 1 diabetes, and glucose levels are 250 mg/dL or above, check your urine for ketones. You may need an extra dose of insulin. If you have type 2 diabetes, and your levels are 250 mg/dL or higher, you may need insulin. Your doctor will tell you when and how much to take.

It's also important to continue with your normal dose of insulin or oral medication - even if you are vomiting and not eating. Since your body produces extra glucose when you are sick, you still need your insulin injections - you may need to increase your insulin dose, or take insulin even if you don't usually use it. Check with your doctor about changes in dose. People with type 1 diabetes should keep a bottle of short-acting insulin on hand in case you need an extra dose while sick, or if you must lower your blood glucose levels quickly.

While you can probably handle minor illnesses on your own, there are times when you need to call your doctor:

• If fever and sickness last more than 2 days
• If vomiting or diarrhea persists over several hours
• If you can't drink the recommended amount of fluids
• If you have symptoms of dehydration (dry mouth, cracked lips, dry or flushed skin), ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar nonketotic state
• If your blood glucose levels remain over 250 mg/dL after 2 extra injections of insulin in a 24-hour period; or, if you are on oral medication, if readings remain that high when you test before meals
• If you have moderate to large amounts of ketones in your urine
• If you have an infection
• If you are very ill or in pain

Be sure to contact your doctor at any time during an illness if you are worried or uncertain about how to take care of yourself.

Related information Glucose Control - Monitoring | Lifestyle - Special Times