Diabetes Sick Day Guide , Orchid Clinic Vadodara – Dr. Asmita Saner
The Golden Rule of Sick Days
False Belief: “If I am not eating, I don’t need my diabetes medication.
The Truth: During illness, your body releases stress hormones that increase blood sugar. Stopping insulin or tablets during sickness is dangerous.
Essential Steps to Follow:
- Never Stop Medication: Consult Dr. Asmita Saner for dose adjustments, but do not skip your dose.
- Monitor Frequently: Test blood sugar every 4–6 hours.
- Check for Ketones: If blood sugar exceeds 250 mg/dl, test urine for acetone/ketones immediately.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, buttermilk, or clear soup to prevent dehydration.
- Don't Be Alone: Ensure a family member is aware of your condition and can help with testing or injections.
Sick Day Nutrition (15g Carbohydrate Servings)
If you cannot eat regular meals, try to consume one of these every 2–3 hours to maintain energy:
- Liquids: 1/2 cup fruit juice, 1/2 cup milk (no cream), or 3/4 cup cold beverage.
- Soft Foods: 1/2 cup Khichdi, 1/2 cup Boiled Dal, or 1/3 cup Curd.
- Light Snacks: 2 Biscuits, 1 piece of Bread, or 1/3 cup Jelly.
When to Call Orchid Clinic (Dr. Asmita Saner)
Contact your doctor immediately if:
- Blood sugar stays over 300 mg/dl.
- You have been vomiting or unable to keep food down for 2 days.
- You have a persistent high-grade fever.
- You feel breathless or confused (signs of Ketoacidosis).
Visual Representation: Diabetes & Sick Day Management
To help you visualize these concepts, here are 5 key image prompts that represent the “Sick Day” protocol:
1. The Monitoring Station: An image of a digital glucometer showing a high reading alongside a “Sick Day” logbook and a glass of water, emphasizing the need for frequent checking.
2. The Hydration Balance: A visual comparison of a person drinking clear fluids (lemon water/buttermilk) versus a “danger” sign over a skipped meal, showing that fluids are
vital when solids can’t be taken.
3. The Medication Safety Net: A 3D render of an insulin pen and a medicine strip next to a clock, symbolizing that medication must continue on schedule even during illness.
4. The Sick Day Meal Tray: A clean, organized tray featuring 1/2 cup of Moong water, a small bowl of Khichdi, and a piece of toast, representing the “15g Carb” rule.
5. The Emergency Alert: A smartphone screen showing a call being made to Orchid
Clinic, with icons representing high fever and high blood sugar (300+ mg/dl) in the
background.
