What adjustments might be necessary for insulin therapy during illness?

During illness, individuals with diabetes frequently experience physiological stress that can lead to increased blood glucose levels. This is primarily due to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can promote insulin resistance and augment glucose production by the liver.

As a result, insulin doses may need to be increased to adequately manage elevated blood glucose levels during periods of illness. It is essential for patients to monitor their blood sugar levels more frequently during this time and adjust their insulin accordingly to prevent hyperglycemia and its potential complications.

While it’s also important to note that some situations may require slight decreases or no changes in insulin doses depending on the nature and severity of the illness, the general recommendation is to prepare for a potential increase in insulin requirements, especially in cases of significant stress, fever, or infection.