Living with diabetes mellitus requires daily care, including blood sugar monitoring, a proper diabetes diet, and adherence to prescribed medications. However, when a person with diabetes falls ill or needs surgery, maintaining stable blood sugar becomes more challenging. During these times, stress on the body can cause blood glucose to rise or fall unexpectedly, making careful management essential to prevent complications.

At Sre Iswarrya Hospital, patients receive guidance on safely managing their blood sugar during illness or surgical procedures. Understanding how your body responds during stress is the first step toward effective diabetes care.

How Illness Affects Blood Sugar

When a person with diabetes is sick, the body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can raise blood sugar even if you are following your normal diabetes diet and medication schedule. Fever, infections, or inflammation may reduce the effectiveness of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Conversely, poor appetite, vomiting, or dehydration can lower blood sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Frequent monitoring is essential during illness. Checking blood sugar every two to four hours or as advised by your diabetes doctor helps track fluctuations and adjust medications if necessary.

Tips for Managing Diabetes During Illness

1. Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly – Keep a log of readings to share with your healthcare provider.
2. Continue Medications – Take insulin or oral medicines unless advised by your doctor. Abruptly stopping medication can cause dangerous fluctuations.
3. Stay Hydrated – Fluids help prevent dehydration and keep blood sugar stable.
4. Watch for Warning Signs – Persistent high or low sugar, vomiting, or unusual fatigue should prompt immediate medical attention.

Managing Diabetes During Surgery

Surgery can further affect blood sugar levels. Doctors may adjust your medication schedule before surgery to maintain safe glucose levels. Blood sugar is monitored during and after surgery, and medications are adjusted as needed. Gradually returning to your normal diabetes routine ensures a smoother recovery and reduces the risk of complications.

Even minor illnesses or procedures can affect glucose control, so planning and following medical guidance is critical. Patients at Sre Iswarrya Hospital, one of the best diabetes hospitals in Coimbatore, benefit from structured monitoring, expert advice, and personalized care plans during these periods.

Conclusion

Managing diabetes mellitus during illness or surgery is vital to prevent complications and maintain overall health. By monitoring blood sugar, following medication guidance, staying hydrated, and consulting your diabetes doctor, you can keep your glucose under control. With professional guidance from Sre Iswarrya Hospital, patients can recover safely and maintain better overall health while living with diabetes.