Glycemic Management in Adults With Diabetes During Illness

Optimal management of hyperglycemia during illness has been hindered by a lack of comprehensive sick-day guidance, particularly for adults with diabetes. Managing glycemia can be challenging during illness because of adaptive counterregulatory hormonal changes, acute stress of illness, altered dietary intake, and effects of medications. People with diabetes may be at risk for severe hypoglycemia and hyperglycemic crisis during illness unless mitigated by close monitoring and medication adjustment. This article provides practical guidance to health care professionals and people with diabetes for safe glycemic management during illness, including considerations for insulin and noninsulin medications, use of insulin technologies, prevention of hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis, steroid use, and pregnancy.