Managing Your Diabetes over the Festive Period

The festive period is traditionally a time of relaxation and indulgence, with even the healthiest among us more likely to treat ourselves to turkey dinners, boxes of chocolates and lazy days watching Christmas films.

"Over the festive period it's good to enjoy quality time with loved ones and rest following what can be a very busy and stressful time of preparation running up to the holidays," said Dr Tim Patterson, Joint Director of Public Health.

Dr Patterson continued: "However some people who have medical conditions - such as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes - have to be mindful about managing their condition over the festive period, especially when there may be more coughs, colds and bugs circulating.

"That's why we would like to share some advice on how to manage your diabetes if you are unwell with a cold or infection, and what to do if your blood sugar readings are higher than normal."

When you are ill, especially if you have an infection and a high temperature, your budy is less responsive to the insulin you inject. So being unwell usually makes your blood sugar levels rise, even if you are eating less than usual. Try to keep your diabetes under control by continuing to take your insulin or diabetes tablets; testing your blood glucose regularly (including during the night), and eating your normal diet.

If you cannot eat, replace your meal and any snacks with one of the following every 1-2 hours: natural unsweetened fruit juices, milk, soup, a fizzy drink or hot chocolate. You should also keep hydrated by drinking plenty of unsweetened fluids in addition to these hourly meal replacements.

When your body is unable to use sugar (glucose) for energy, it may produce ketones. If these accumulate in your blood, this can quickly lead to a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Warning signs (symptoms) of this are: thirst; high blood glucose levels; feeling and/or being sick; fast and deep breathing; stomach pain; drowsiness; passing more urine than usual; a sweet or metallic taste in your mouth; or others noticing your breath smelling sweet.

If you are vomiting and unable to hold down fluids and/or your breath is sweet-smelling contact your Diabetic Specialist Nurse, GP or the NHS 24 helpline on 111.

It's also important to know what to do if your blood sugar readings are above 14mmols/mol. If you have Type 1 Diabetes and are feeling well but your readings are higher than usual because of what you have had to eat and drink, simply use your fast acting insulin to correct these higher readings. If you are unsure of how much fast acting insulin to take, contact your Diabetic Specialist Nurse, GP or the NHS 24 helpline on 111.

If you are feeling unwell, and have Type 1 Diabetes, you should use your ketone meter to check for ketones. You will also need to take extra fast acting insulin, and ensure you keep hydrated by drinking extra fluids.

People with Type 2 Diabetes who have high blood sugar levels should remain calm. There are various factors that can cause this such as:

• not having enough insulin in your blood
• eating more carbohydrates than your insulin can handle
• being less active
• illness or infection
• stress
• weight gain

However, if your blood sugar levels are higher than normal for a few days in a row and you feel unwell contact your Diabetic Specialist Nurse, GP or the NHS 24 helpline on 111 for advice.

For more information and guidance on managing your diabetes, please visit Diabetes UK or My Diabetes My Way.