How to take care of yourself when you're sick

Being sick is a bad experience for anyone, but you should make sure that you're still maintaining your blood sugar even when you're feeling under the weather. To make sure you're prepared the next time you're sick, keep these tips in mind:

• You may not have much of an appetite when you are sick, but it is important to eat as regularly as possible to help your blood sugar stay level.
• Try to choose foods from your regular healthy diet that are easy on the stomach, such as oatmeal, chicken noodle soup, rice, applesauce and toast.
• Stock your pantry with cans of broth-based soups, saltine-type crackers, regular gelatin, brown rice and canned chicken broth. Fill your freezer with sorbet or fruit juice bars.

• Some people make the mistake of skipping medications or insulin when they are so sick that they don't feel like eating, but it is especially important to keep taking all prescription drugs, especially because being sick can raise your blood sugar.
• If you take insulin, your doctor may even suggest that you adjust (usually increase) the dosage when you are down for the count.

• When you start to get sick, your body goes on the defensive, sending out hormones to fight the illness. This is good news, of course, but the battle your body wages can spike your blood sugar and reduce your ability to use insulin.
• Usually your doctor will recommend that you check your blood sugar every three to four hours when you are feeling poorly, but be sure to discuss specific recommendations with him or her before you get sick.
• If your blood sugar readings are high when you are sick (exact levels should be discussed with your doctor), extra insulin may be recommended.

• When you're flat on your back nursing the flu and trying to manage your diabetes, you probably won't have much energy left to run your household.
• Before you are sidelined by illness, put plans in place to get the help you need. If you have kids, call a relative or the parents of your kids' closest friends and ask if they'd be willing to watch your kids on sick days (offer to reciprocate where appropriate).
• Get your spouse to commit to taking over chores when you're feeling ill, and let him fret about dirty dishes or stinky cat litter boxes.

• It's a good idea to inform your doctor if you get sick, especially if you are unable to eat, have diarrhea or have been vomiting for more than six hours.
• You should also make the call if you have had a fever that is not improving, cracked lips or flushed skin for longer than two days.

• When you're sick, if your blood sugar levels are consistently above 240 mg/dl, you'll want to do a urine ketone test (available in drugstores) to check for diabetes ketoacidosis, in which the body resorts to breaking down fat for energy and releases ketones, which poison the blood.
• Though it's rare in people with type 2 diabetes, the condition can lead to coma and even death.
• Signs of ketoacidosis are nausea, extreme thirst or dry mouth, stomach pain, vomiting, blurred vision, flushed skin or fever, trouble breathing or paying attention, weakness or drowsiness, loss of appetite and a fruit-like breath odor.
• If your ketone levels are high, call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.