In older people, illnesses such as the common cold, infections such as urinary tract infections, or wounds can make it harder to keep blood glucose levels in their target range. This often leads to changes in diabetes management. Jump to resources Sick day management plans All older people with diabetes should have an individualised sick day management plan in place. The sick day management plan has guidelines on how to manage the person’s diabetes when they are sick. It is made by the person’s healthcare team. Check if your client has an up-to-date sick day plan. If they do not, speak with your supervisor or the registered nurse. How to manage sick days It is important to act if you notice any signs and symptoms of an illness in an older person with diabetes. Illness can cause hyperglycaemia (high BGLs) which can lead to hyperglycaemic emergencies if left untreated, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) for type 1 diabetes, and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic states (HHS) for type 2 diabetes. These require hospital admission and impact on mortality and quality of life. If you observe that the older person with diabetes is sick, follow their sick day management plan. How their diabetes is managed during illness will depend on the type of diabetes they have. Featured resources Resident sick day quick guide type 1 diabetes Resident sick day quick guide type 2 diabetes The McKellar Guidelines Sick day management – Six-minute intensive training poster Find more resources
