Navigation Links
Help! I'm Sick. How Do I Handle My Diabetes?
Date:1/8/2008

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Runny nose. Upset stomach. Whatever illness it is, it can make you feel miserable. It is hard enough to be under the weather but it is even more difficult to handle being sick if you have diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), people with diabetes who develop an illness are at risk for serious complications if they don't take care of their diabetes. Blood glucose levels can increase or decrease to dangerous levels if left unchecked. Ketones, a waste product created when the body begins to use stored fat for energy, can build up, especially in those with type 1 diabetes, if a person does not take insulin at regular intervals. Left unmonitored, high ketone levels can lead to ketoacidosis, which can lead to coma or death.

"People with diabetes have special considerations when they are under the weather," commented Ann Albright, Ph.D., RD, American Diabetes Association President, Health Care & Education. "It is important to have a plan with your health care team in place before you become sick, to avoid getting worse. It is also critical to get a flu shot every year to potentially avoid getting influenza."

The American Diabetes Association offers tips to manage diabetes if you are under the weather:

-- Check, please! - Check blood glucose levels every 3-4 hours. Also, if you have been instructed by your health care team, check for ketones in your urine every few hours.

-- Don't stop insulin or medications - Unless your health care provider tells you otherwise, continue taking insulin to balance out the battle your body's stress hormones are fighting.

-- Nourish a cold - Even if you have lost your appetite, it is important to try to eat. The ADA recommends 15 grams of carbohydrates every hour or so.

-- Stay hydrated - If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, or have a fever, try to drink a cup of fluid each hour to prevent dehydra
'/>"/>

SOURCE American Diabetes Association
Copyright©2008 PR Newswire.
All rights reserved

0

GOOD

Page: 1 2

Post Your Comments:
*Name:
*Comment:
*Email:
Breaking Medicine Technology:Seven New Biopharmaceutical Research Companies Join PhRMA's Mission to Advance Medical Innovation 2Seven New Biopharmaceutical Research Companies Join PhRMA's Mission to Advance Medical Innovation 3Seven New Biopharmaceutical Research Companies Join PhRMA's Mission to Advance Medical Innovation 4Biomatrica Launches DNAgard(TM) for Room Temperature Storage of Tissues and Cell Culture 2Biomatrica Launches DNAgard(TM) for Room Temperature Storage of Tissues and Cell Culture 3Data Published in Muscle and Nerve Validates the Six-Minute Walk Test as an Outcome Measure in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 2Data Published in Muscle and Nerve Validates the Six-Minute Walk Test as an Outcome Measure in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 3Data Published in Muscle and Nerve Validates the Six-Minute Walk Test as an Outcome Measure in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 4Data Published in Muscle and Nerve Validates the Six-Minute Walk Test as an Outcome Measure in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 5Regence Members in Oregon Can Now Access Provider Cost Information 50204 1Regence Members in Oregon Can Now Access Provider Cost Information 50204 2Regence Members in Oregon Can Now Access Provider Cost Information 50204 3OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals Files Shelf Registration Statement 12807 1OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals Files Shelf Registration Statement 12807 2OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals Files Shelf Registration Statement 12807 3OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals Files Shelf Registration Statement 12807 4Eating Animal Fat May Lead to Pancreatic Cancer 50199 1Eating Animal Fat May Lead to Pancreatic Cancer 50199 2Eating Animal Fat May Lead to Pancreatic Cancer 50199 3