Sick-Day Management for Type 1 Diabetes

Being unwell with Type 1 diabetes raises your risk of high blood glucose and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Following a clear sick-day plan helps you stay safe.

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Core Rules

• Never stop basal insulin — even if you’re not eating.
• Check blood glucose more often (every 2–4 hours, or as advised by your team).
• Check ketones if BGL is high or if you feel unwell.

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Fluids & Carbs

• Take small, frequent sips of sugar-free fluids to stay hydrated.
• If you can’t eat normally, use sick-day carb options (juices, glucose drinks, oral rehydration solutions) to prevent ketosis.

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Insulin Adjustments

• Follow your written sick-day plan for corrections and temporary basal changes (if on a pump).
• Contact your diabetes team early if BGL stays high or ketones are rising.

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Red Flags — Seek Urgent Care

• Ketones ≥ 3.0 mmol/L
• Rising ketones despite extra insulin
• Vomiting, abdominal pain, or drowsiness
• Rapid or deep breathing (possible DKA)

⚠️ Don’t wait — go to emergency services if these appear.

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Educational only; not a substitute for professional medical advice.