Being unwell can make it harder to keep your blood glucose levels in your target range, so it is important to be prepared.
Illnesses like the flu or common cold can lead to changes in diabetes for older people. This is because your body releases stress hormones when you are sick.
Stress hormones make your liver release more glucose into your bloodstream. It can be difficult to stop your blood glucose levels rising too high, even if you are not eating.
Illness and blood glucose
Keeping well
Your sick day action plan
Information and resources
Reduce your risk of illness by washing your hands regularly or using hand sanitiser, avoiding touching your face and staying up to date with your vaccinations.
It is important to be prepared and know what to do when you are sick. Your doctor or diabetes educator can put a sick day plan together for you. This plan will help you manage your blood glucose levels, medications, foods and fluids while you are unwell.
Older people with diabetes may be at higher risk if a natural disaster or emergency occurs. Find out how to plan for natural disasters and prepare an emergency diabetes kit if you have to leave at short notice.
What to do when you are sick
Illness and infection can affect your blood glucose levels, so it is important to be prepared.
My diabetes plan for natural disasters and emergencies
Record your personal details and important information, and know what to pack in a diabetes emergency kit.
Managing diabetes as you age
This booklet gives you information to help you manage your diabetes as you grow older.
Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.
