Keeping Well Over The Festive Period

Hi,

Managing your diabetes and insulin when you are unwell can be difficult so this information may help you stay well over the Festive period.

Insulin:

• Never stop or omit insulin doses, even when you are not eating.
• Doses may need to be adjusted depending on glucose & ketone levels
• Give fast acting insulin every 2 hours if blood glucose is above target.
• Additional insulin may be needed (follow the flowchart for doses)

Blood Glucose & ketones checking:

• Check glucose and ketones more frequently if you feel unwell. e.g.every 1-2 hours including through the night
• Check blood ketones regardless of blood glucose level; when unwell
• Follow sick day rules. Aim to keep glucose levels between 4-10mmol/L and ketones below 0.6mmol/L
• If your ketones are 0.6mmol/L or greater and you are on a pump you must give the first correction via a pen injection and then change your pump/cannula.

Fluids:

• Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of sugar free fluids for normal or high glucose levels.
• Aim for 50ml -100ml per hour depending on age.
• If glucose is below 14mmol/L fluids containing carbohydrate can be useful with insulin unless blood glucose levels are less than 5.5mmol/L

Carbohydrates:

• Carbohydrates are needed alongside insulin to switch off ketone production.
• If unable or refusing to eat, replace food with soft food or fluids containing carbohydrate (Yoghurt, ice cream, ice pops or diluted fruit juice) and give usual insulin doses.

If you are worried and need advice about glucose and ketone management, call your diabetes team for support.

Many thanks and have a wonderful festive break when it comes.

From all at Team DB. : )