Part of this journey is trial and error and finding out what all affects the sugar level—and then still not being able to completely predict outcomes.
—Trudy Schoepko, Type 2 Diabetes Patient
That's how Trudy Schoepko, 66, found out she was coming down with pneumonia.
"I remember feeling just miserable but insisting on going to a peace march downtown," says the Albuquerque resident. "When I came home my sugar level was an unheard of and unprecedented 195—in three years I'd never come anywhere near that.
"Two days later I discovered I had pneumonia. Part of this journey is trial and error and finding out what all affects the sugar level—and then still not being able to completely predict outcomes."
One thing you can predict is that you will catch a cold or a stomach bug at some point. Plan ahead so you know how to take medication if you are vomiting or can't eat or drink. Know how to recognize more severe symptoms that require medical attention.
Sick-Day Guidelines for People With Diabetes
What happens when you are sick
When you are sick, your body reacts by releasing hormones to fight infection. However, these hormones raise blood sugar levels and at the same time make it more difficult for insulin to lower blood sugar. When you have diabetes, even a minor illness can lead to dangerously high blood sugar. This may cause life-threatening complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or a hyperosmolar state.
Plan ahead
Work with your health professional to make a sick-day plan for you or your child with diabetes. Discuss your target blood sugar goal during an illness, how you should adjust your insulin dose and timing (if you take insulin), and when you need to contact your health professional for help. Also, make sure you know how often to check blood sugar and urine ketone levels. Keep your plan in a convenient place, and include contact information in case you need to reach your health professional at night or on the weekends.
What happens when you are sick
When you are sick, your body reacts by releasing hormones to fight infection. However, these hormones raise blood sugar levels and at the same time make it more difficult for insulin to lower blood sugar. When you have diabetes, even a minor illness can lead to dangerously high blood sugar. This may cause life-threatening complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or a hyperosmolar state.
Plan ahead
Work with your health professional to make a sick-day plan for you or your child with diabetes. Discuss your target blood sugar goal during an illness, how you should adjust your insulin dose and timing (if you take insulin), and when you need to contact your health professional for help. Also, make sure you know how often to check blood sugar and urine ketone levels. Keep your plan in a convenient place, and include contact information in case you need to reach your health professional at night or on the weekends.
Last Updated: January 19, 2007 
