KARACHI, July 9: cold, flu, infections, vomiting, diarrhoea and injury may worsen diabetes control, says a report published in the Diabetes Digest issued by the Pakistan Diabetes Association (PDA).

“Illness can cause your blood glucose levels to rise,” the report says to the diabetics. A diabetic is needs to test blood glucose (two to four hourly) and record the result.

This must be further complimented by regular urine tests for Ketones, especially if blood glucose is above 15mmol/L.

Diabetics have also been strongly advised to keep taking insulin and if blood glucose is above 15 mmol/L there may also be need for some quick-acting insulin in addition to normal insulin requirements. This, however, has to be discussed with doctor.

Since dehydration can develop quickly especially among patients with high fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, they need to drink at least one glass of fluid each hour.—APP