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Monitoring glucose levels during periods of illness or stress is important for managing diabetes effectively. These conditions can cause fluctuations in blood sugar, making regular monitoring essential to prevent complications.
Impact of Illness and Stress on Blood Sugar
When the body is sick or under stress, hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline increase. These hormones can raise blood glucose levels, even if food intake remains unchanged. As a result, individuals may experience higher or more unpredictable blood sugar readings.
Tips for Monitoring During Illness or Stress
Frequent monitoring helps detect changes early and allows for timely adjustments to treatment. It is recommended to check blood glucose levels more often than usual, especially if experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or fever.
Keep a record of readings, symptoms, and any medication changes. This information can assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions about treatment adjustments.
Additional Considerations
During illness, hydration is crucial. Dehydration can affect blood sugar levels and make monitoring less accurate. It is also important to follow any specific instructions from healthcare providers regarding medication adjustments during illness or stress.
- Check blood glucose more frequently
- Stay well-hydrated
- Record all readings and symptoms
- Follow healthcare provider advice