How to Manage Sick Days With Type 1 Diabetes

You may need to visit the emergency room when you get sick. Before that day comes, work with your healthcare team to determine when those visits are necessary and how to prepare for one.

“In general, if you’re sick and your blood glucoses are running higher than 300 mg/dL and not improving, you should be in touch with your healthcare team,” Urbanski says. “If you cannot reach them, or have any symptoms of DKA, it’s always best and safest to seek emergency medical treatment.”

DKA, in particular, requires emergency care, she says. Call 911 if you are experiencing DKA symptoms, especially fruity breath.

Be sure to carry your relevant medical information on you, in case you are unable to tell your medical team about your type 1 diabetes and treatment when you arrive at the emergency room.

The American Diabetes Association also recommends keeping a “sick-day kit” on hand. This kit should include:

A glucose meter
Enough insulin to last a week (make sure it is not stored unrefrigerated for more than 30 days)
Batteries for your diabetes-related devices
Supplies for your insulin pump or CGM
Ketone test strips
Flu or cold medications that won’t disrupt your diabetes management