Staying Healthy

Staying Healthy

Contributed by Fit4D™ Wellness Coach
Missy Mauderer, RN, CDE

Along with the changing weather comes the cold and flu. People with diabetes have an especially challenging time during illness. Illness can elevate blood sugars even if you are eating your usual meal plan. To stay healthy, let's discuss some prevention strategies.

Here are some tips to help you and your family:

• Get the flu shot every year
• Avoid close contact with others that are sick
• Allow time for relaxation and get plenty of rest
• Wash hands frequently with warm soapy water for 15-20   seconds and dry thoroughly
• If you don't have access to a sink, use an alcohol based sanitizer frequently
• Disinfect frequently used items such as cell phones, doorknobs, computer mouse, etc.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze - if you don't have a tissue, then be sure to wash your hands
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent transmission of viruses
• Eat a well balanced diet
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Get regular exercise
• Manage stress
• Stay home if you feel sick or run down

If you do happen to get sick, here are some helpful tips to help you through your illness:

• Get plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Drink at least 8 ounces of calorie free/caffeine free fluids every waking hour
• Every 3rd hour consume a cup of soup or broth to replace sodium
• Check ketones if blood sugars are greater than 250
• Monitor blood sugars at least every 2-4 hours
• Continue to take your medications
• Try to follow your usual meal plan - you may need to supplement your meal plan with liquids or soft foods that you can tolerate
• Monitor your temperature
• Prepare a sick day kit: including extra testing supplies, ketone strips, thermometer, soup, and fluids

Call your doctor if you:

• Vomit more that once
• Experience diarrhea more than 5 times or longer than 6 hours
• Have difficulty breathing
• Reach a fever of 101.5 or higher 

For additional support for your health with diabetes, schedule a call with a Fit4D Coach, or sign up for Fit4D Health and Wellness Personalized Diabetes Coaching today!