Sick day rules & wellbeing

This advice is for:

1. People with Type 2 diabetes who take tablets and/or non-insulin injectable medication
2. People with Type 2 diabetes who take tablets, insulin, and other injectable medication.

Illness and infections cause the body stress.

When you are ill, and especially if you have high temperature, your blood glucose levels can rise.

The illnesses most likely to cause blood glucose levels to rise are:

• Colds.
• Flu.
• Sore throats.
• Water (urine) infections.
• Bronchitis.
• Chest infections.
• Stomach upsets.
• Diarrhoea.
• Skin abscesses.

If you become ill:

• Do not panic.
• Keep taking your medication.
• Check your blood sugar level.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Keep eating.
• If you are taking an SGLT2 inhibitor and become unwell, stop taking this medication.

Managing diabetes can be difficult for some people. Living with Type 2 diabetes can negatively impact the emotional well-being and quality of life of many people.

Lots of activities are needed to manage diabetes well. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, injecting insulin, taking medication, physical activity, and healthy eating can be a lot to keep on top of.

Emotional and mental health, such as diabetes distress and depression, are common among adults with Type 2 diabetes.

There is no right or wrong way to feel, but you might notice signs that things are getting too much. This might be you not taking care of yourself in the way you might normally do.

It can help to be speak to your doctor or nurse if you notice signs something might be wrong, or if you do not feel right.