What To Do When You Are Unwell

When you are ill, your blood sugar levels can rise, even if you are eating less than usual. Knowing how to manage your diabetes during illness can help prevent complications and support your recovery.

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How Illness Can Affect Blood Sugar

Being unwell can cause your blood sugar levels to increase.

High blood sugar may make you feel:

• Tired
• Thirsty
• Needing to pass urine more often

If you have diabetes and feel unwell, it is important to monitor your symptoms and blood sugar levels carefully.

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Looking After Yourself

When you are ill:

Try To:

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink around 10 cups of sugar-free fluids each day
• Choose drinks such as water, sugar-free squash, tea or coffee
• Continue eating as normally as possible

Keeping hydrated and maintaining your food intake can help support recovery.

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If Eating Is Difficult

If you are struggling to eat, try small amounts of easy-to-manage foods and drinks such as:

• Milk
• Low-fat yoghurt
• Tomato soup
• Smooth orange juice
• Ice cream
• Plain biscuits

Eating little and often can help provide energy while you recover.

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Check Your Blood Sugar

If possible:

Test Your Blood Sugar 4 Times A Day

Regular monitoring can help you identify when blood sugar levels are becoming too high.

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When To Contact Your GP or Nurse

Speak to your healthcare professional if:

• Your blood sugar is consistently above 15 mmol/L
• You have diarrhoea
• You are being sick
• You have severe stomach pain

Your medication may need to be reviewed or adjusted while you are unwell.

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Seek Urgent Advice If

Contact your GP, Diabetes Team or Healthcare Professional straight away if:

• You cannot keep fluids down
• You continue being sick
• You have severe stomach pain
• You feel very tired and breathless
• You are pregnant

These symptoms may require urgent medical advice.

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If You Are Not Improving

Speak to your healthcare professional again if you do not feel any better or your symptoms are getting worse.

If you are advised to attend hospital, take a list of your current medications with you.

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Further Information Available

This page provides a summary of sick day advice for people with Type 2 Diabetes.

The full PDF guide contains:

• Blood sugar monitoring advice
• Sick day management guidance
• Hydration recommendations
• Food and drink suggestions
• Information on when to seek medical help

For complete guidance, please download the full PDF resource.

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Need Further Support?

If you have concerns about your diabetes, medication, or blood sugar levels during illness, please contact your GP, Practice Nurse, Diabetes Team, or Healthcare Professional.