Everyday illness

A minor illness can result in a major rise in blood glucose levels. This will increase the amount of insulin you need to keep blood glucose levels within the target range. If the blood glucose levels remain high for several hours the body will start to produce ketones.

When you are sick your body releases stress hormones to help you fight the illness, infection or stress. Stress hormones can cause your liver to put more glucose (sugar) into your bloodstream. Stress hormones can also make it harder for your insulin to do its job properly. This can cause your BGLs to rise.