Preparing for Sick Days When You Have Type 2 Diabetes

Set Up a Sick-Day Action Plan

If you don't have a written sick-day plan for diabetes, now is a good time to get one from your healthcare provider. This plan will guide you on monitoring your condition, so take some time to ask your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your needs. If you have a plan, keep it in an easily accessible location. Familiarize yourself with the instructions and any medical contacts listed.

Have a clear record of the names and doses of all your medications. Make a note of when and how they're typically taken. This can be useful for you, those helping you, or any medical professional you might need to consult. Consider including any known allergies or past reactions to medications, as this could be crucial if care requirements change during your illness.

Getting a handle on your plan now saves you from having to make decisions when you're feeling unwell. Keep it within reach, so you don't have to search for it when you need it most. Also, review the plan occasionally to ensure the information remains current, particularly after any changes in your treatment regimen.

Gather Your Necessary Supplies

Stock up on the essentials you'll need should you become sick. This includes any medications, testing supplies, food items, and fluids you might need according to your sick-day plan. Don't wait until the last minute to restock any supplies that run low. Prioritize checking expiry dates on the supplies and medications, making sure replacements are on hand if needed.

• Have extra testing supplies ready, such as glucose meters and strips, to avoid last-minute shortages.
• Make sure you have easy-to-eat foods that comply with your diabetes dietary needs.
• Ensure an adequate supply of any over-the-counter medications recommended by your healthcare provider for managing symptoms.

Having everything prepared before illness strikes helps reduce stress and ensures that you have what you need to follow your healthcare provider's guidance. Keep these items together in a special 'sick day' kit, so they are ready to grab when necessary.

Create a Contact List

Prepare a list of contacts that you might need to reach during a sick day. This list should include medical professionals, emergency contacts, and anyone who might assist you if needed. Include phone numbers for each contact and keep this list where it's easy to find. Additionally, you might consider adding notes on the best time to reach them or alternative contacts if they are unavailable.

• Your primary healthcare provider's contact details, ensuring you have both office and emergency contacts.
• The on-call nurse or diabetes educator at your clinic for quick guidance when immediate answers are needed.
• A friend or family member who can help in an emergency, including their work and home numbers.
• Your pharmacy's contact information for coordination on prescriptions or drug interactions.

Doing this in advance ensures you can quickly contact the right person for advice or help when needed, even if you're not feeling well. Consider keeping this list on your phone as well, in case the paper copy is not accessible.

Track Your Symptoms and Readings

Once you're feeling unwell, it's crucial to document your symptoms and any readings related to your blood sugar. Write down how you feel, any changes in symptoms, and your blood sugar levels throughout the day. Having a specific notebook or digital app to log this information can streamline sharing it with your healthcare provider later.

• Note the start and progression of symptoms, and any patterns you notice.
• Record glucose readings and any symptoms of low or high blood sugar.
• Write down any other symptoms like fever or gastrointestinal issues for discussion with your care team.

Keeping track of these details helps your healthcare provider give you the best advice and can prevent misunderstandings later on. You can also mark what time medications are taken and meals are eaten for a complete overview of how your routine might be affecting your condition during illness.

Prepare for Phone Consultations

When contacting your care team by phone, be ready with the information they will likely need. This includes your current symptoms, any recent blood sugar readings, and how you've been managing your diabetes alongside your illness. Writing down your questions beforehand can ensure you cover all concerns during the call.

• Be sure about your symptoms and the duration of each symptom, and share them clearly.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns you want to address, considering any changes in your routine as well.
• Have your medical records and current medications list on hand, including dosages and times taken.

Being prepared helps the healthcare team guide you effectively, ensuring you receive the best possible advice. It also saves time, allowing for a more productive conversation, particularly if time is limited during the call.

Organize Helpers in Advance

Talk to family or friends who might help you if you're unwell. Let them know where your supplies, contact lists, and sick-day plan are kept. Explain any specific needs you might have if you're too sick to handle things independently. Communication is key, so also inform them of any preferences during stressful times.

• Give them a tour of necessary items, like where your testing supplies and medications are stored, so they are prepared to assist without delay.
• Discuss potential scenarios where you might need their assistance, such as transportation to appointments.
• Address how they can help with meals or pharmacy trips, including understanding your dietary needs and medication collection process.

This ensures when you require aid, your helpers are already aware of where to find things and what aid you need. It reduces panic or misunderstandings, as they'll know what your care requires.

Plan for After a Sick Day

Once you start feeling better, follow up with your healthcare provider if you experience any concerns from your sick day. Provide them with any records you kept of symptoms and glucose levels. Reflect on how well your preparations worked and update your plan and supplies accordingly. Consider scheduling a follow-up appointment if your symptoms were severe or prolonged.

• Discuss any changes to your treatment or prevention strategies, especially if your illness required different approaches.
• Restock any items you used during the sick day, checking both medicines and testing supplies.
• Refine your plan based on what you learned, noting any oversights or unexpected needs.

Analyzing what went well and what didn't helps you better prepare for future events, ensuring that you're always ready. This also helps in keeping your healthcare provider informed, improving long-term diabetes management and health outcomes.