Prepare for Health Check-ins on Sick Days
How can I organize my sick day as someone with type 2 diabetes?
Organize your information, supplies, and contacts for a smooth sick-day. Keep your healthcare team updated to manage your health effectively.
Depends on your own plan. The answer depends on the written sick-day instructions your own care team gave you. This page only helps you find and follow them.
Gather Necessary Supplies
Being prepared is essential when you're feeling unwell, especially if you have type 2 diabetes. Start by collecting all your diabetes supplies. Ensure you have extra test strips, glucose meters, and any other devices you regularly use. Keep these items within easy reach, preferably in a small bag or container you can carry around if you move from room to room.
If you're running low on any supplies, make a list to ensure you restock promptly. This foresight saves you from realizing you're out of something crucial at the worst time. Should the need arise to reach out to your pharmacy, knowing exactly what you need speeds up the process. Check expiration dates on all supplies to avoid any last-minute issues.
Organize Medical Information
Having your medical information readily accessible can save time and prevent stress later. Write down the names and dosages of all your medications, as well as any supplements you take. Include any allergies and details of previous adverse reactions to medications. You might also want to note other significant medical conditions you have.
Keep this written in a notebook or on your phone so that it's easy to update and reference when needed. Having this information readily available can help you communicate effectively with healthcare providers or your care team during phone consultations. Regularly updating this information ensures you have the most current details ready when you need them.
Contact Your Care Team
If you don't already have their contact information handy, gather phone numbers and emails for your care team. This could include your primary doctor, endocrinologist, diabetes educator, and pharmacist. Having these details at your fingertips can be crucial if you need guidance on managing your symptoms.
Prepare a list of questions you might have for them, or note any changes in your symptoms or new concerns you want to address. Keeping a log of your blood sugar levels and any other relevant health data can provide a clear view of your current situation. Make sure to ask your care team about any specific actions you should or should not take.
Plan Meals and Hydration
Your usual routines might change when you're feeling unwell. Check your personal sick-day plan for guidelines on meals and fluids. While this advice is specific to you, generally, staying hydrated is often emphasized.
Make sure your kitchen is stocked with foods and drinks that are recommended for sick days based on your own plan. If you're unable to shop or prepare meals, ask someone you trust to help out. Make a note to discuss sick-day nutrition with your care team if you're unsure about anything. Ensure you have their advice written down for easy reference.
Prepare for Emergencies
It's always wise to think ahead about emergencies. Make a list of emergency numbers, including local emergency services and possibly a neighbor or family member who can assist you quickly. Keep this list visible and near a phone, or save it in your phone's contacts.
Review any specific instructions your care team has provided for emergency situations. Know when it's important to call for help, and who to contact first. This readiness can provide peace of mind when you're unwell. Discuss with your care team any warning signs that should prompt immediate action.
Track Your Symptoms and Readings
Throughout the day, keep a log of your symptoms, any new or worsening signs, and your blood sugar readings. While your sick-day plan will guide how often you should check, having this record can be useful for your care team later.
Describe your symptoms in detail, including when they began, how they've changed, and any known triggers. This information can help your healthcare providers understand your situation more clearly when you discuss it later. Consistent documentation could aid in recognizing patterns or changes over time.
Inform Someone You Trust
Let a family member or friend know you're feeling under the weather. They can check-in on you, run errands if needed, or be available for a quick chat. Share your sick-day plan with them, so they understand what you might need help with.
Having someone aware of your situation can provide comfort and assistance, ensuring you have support if your symptoms get worse or you need help managing tasks. Ensure they know how to contact your care team if necessary.
Keep a Record of Phone Conversations
During a sick day, you might have multiple phone conversations with your care team or pharmacy. Keep a notepad handy to jot down any advice, instructions, or follow-up actions suggested by them. This helps you remember details after the call ends, especially when you’re not feeling your best.
Write down who you spoke with and the date and time of the call. Detail any new instructions or changes to your care plan as recommended by your care team. Reviewing these notes later can provide clarity and ensure you follow through with all necessary actions.
Where this comes from
We wrote this page from the public pages below and link straight back to them so you can read the original wording yourself. We last opened them on October 14, 2026.
- Florida’s limited ban on Flock cameras only scratches the surface of widespread surveillance concerns — The Conversation Technology.
This page was written and edited by the SickDayKit editorial team. It has not been reviewed by a licensed clinician, and it is not a substitute for advice from your own care team. See our medical disclaimer, editorial policy and how we use sources.
Something wrong or out of date on this page? Tell us — please leave your own health details out of it.
