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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/diab-sick-check-often

When someone with diabetes catches a cold or flu, how often should they check blood sugar?

More often than usual, about every 2 to 4 hours.

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  1. Less often, to rest
  2. More often, about every 2 to 4 hours ✔
  3. Only after the illness is over

Why: Illness and stress release hormones that can push blood sugar up, so check more often, keep notes and follow your sick-day plan. Call your care team if numbers stay high.

Huh, didn't know that: ADA suggests making a written sick-day plan with your care team before you get sick, including when to call the doctor.

The dad joke
Why check more often on sick days? Colds can change the numbers too.
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References

Answer: More often, about every 2 to 4 hours. Illness and stress release hormones that can push blood sugar up, so check more often, keep notes and follow your sick-day plan. Call your care team if numbers stay high.

  1. MedlinePlus, Diabetes: when you are sick medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000079.htm
    Check your blood sugar more often than usual (every 2 to 4 hours).
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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