When you’re not feeling well, managing your blood sugar can feel harder than usual. But getting sick doesn’t mean you lose control.
Sickness does not just make you feel weak, it also pushes blood sugar levels higher, making management difficult.
The good news is that with the right steps, you can manage your blood sugar and avoid complications.
In this guide, we’ll cover practical tips, foods to eat, medications to watch, and when to seek help.
Why Managing Blood Sugar Matters More When You’re Sick
Illness can raise stress hormones in the body. This makes it harder for insulin to work properly and can push your blood sugar levels higher than normal.
If you’ve ever thought, “How do I manage my blood sugar when I’m sick if I’m not eating much?” The answer is balance.
Even if you’re eating less, your body still produces glucose, and skipping medications can cause dangerous spikes.
Check Blood Sugar More Often
One of the best ways to manage my blood sugar when I’m sick is by checking it more often than usual.
- Aim to test every 3–4 hours.
- If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), pay closer attention to alerts.
- Track your results in a notebook or app so you can share them with your doctor or pharmacist if needed.
Stay Hydrated Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
Dehydration is one of the hidden risks of illness. Vomiting, fever, or diarrhea can quickly lower fluids in your body, causing blood sugar levels to rise.
To manage my blood sugar when I’m sick, drink water, clear broths, or sugar-free electrolyte drinks regularly. Small sips throughout the day are better than large gulps at once.
Eat Smart, Even With a Small Appetite
When you’re sick, food may not sound appealing. But skipping meals completely can make blood sugar levels harder to control.
To manage my blood sugar when I’m sick, focus on:
- Easily digestible foods: crackers, soup, oatmeal
- Carb-controlled options: sugar-free yogurt, applesauce
- Protein-rich snacks: boiled eggs, nut butter, cottage cheese
Even a few bites every couple of hours can stabilize blood sugar.
Don’t Skip Medications Without Guidance
One of the most common mistakes is stopping insulin or oral diabetes medications during illness. This can quickly worsen blood sugar control.
The safest way to manage my blood sugar when I’m sick is to:
- Take your medication as prescribed.
- Check with your pharmacist or doctor before adjusting doses.
- Ask if over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines are safe for you. Some can raise blood sugar levels.
Know the Red Flags That Need Medical Help
Sometimes self-care isn’t enough. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
- Blood sugar over 300 mg/dL for several hours
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine)
Learning when to call for help is part of knowing how to manage my blood sugar when I’m sick responsibly.
How Gattis Pharmacy Supports You During Sick Days
At Gattis Pharmacy, we understand that being sick and managing diabetes at the same time can feel overwhelming. That’s why we:
- Provide personalized consultations for medication adjustments
- Offer OTC guidance for safe cold and flu relief
- Deliver prescriptions to your door if you can’t leave home
You don’t have to figure out how to manage my blood sugar when I’m sick alone, we’re here to make it easier.
Final Thoughts
Being sick with diabetes doesn’t have to lead to a blood sugar crisis. By checking more often, staying hydrated, eating small meals, and taking medications as prescribed, you can stay in control.
At Gattis Pharmacy, we offer you personalized care and expert guidance. We help you manage your blood sugar with confidence that big chains can’t match.
