Blood sugar goes haywire during illness — here's how they control it.
When you are sick or injured, your body releases stress hormones to help you fight the challenge. These hormones naturally push your blood sugar levels higher, even if you are not eating much. This response is a normal survival mechanism, but it creates a dangerous environment for a diabetic. Managing this balance is a primary focus of your hospital care.
Hospitals typically set a target blood sugar range that is slightly higher than what you might keep at home. We aim for a middle ground that prevents hyperglycemia, or dangerously high sugar, without dropping you into hypoglycemia, or dangerously low sugar. Both extremes can cause complications with wound healing and organ function. Precise control helps you recover faster.
You will notice nursing staff checking your levels every few hours, regardless of the time of day. If your levels become difficult to manage with standard shots, we may use an insulin drip. This is a continuous infusion through your IV that allows us to adjust your dosage minute-by-minute based on your most recent blood test. It provides the most stable way to bring high numbers down safely.
Hospital meals are prepared to match the timing of your medication. If you do not finish your meal or if your procedure is delayed, your blood sugar could drop too low after an injection. We must synchronize your food intake with your insulin doses to prevent sudden swings. Always let your nurse know if your appetite changes or if you plan to skip a tray.