Patient Guide
Key Information for Your Stay
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Managing Diabetes During Your Stay
Keeping your blood sugar under control takes careful attention. To help, make a diabetes care plan with your doctor or nurse. Include information like:
- how often to check your blood sugar
- how often to take your medicines and insulin
- what to do if you can’t eat
- how to handle your insulin pump if you have one
You may also want to ask a friend or family member to be your diabetes advocate. Together you can work with hospital staff to follow your diabetes care plan.
Tracking Your Blood Sugar
Tracking your blood sugar can give you valuable information about how your body’s working. It can also help you make adjustments if your numbers are generally too high or too low. Being sick and taking new medicines can cause your blood sugar numbers to go up or down. Ask your nurse if your blood sugar needs to be tested more often.
Taking Medicine or Insulin
You’ll still need your medicines and insulin (if you take it) while in the hospital, but do not take them yourself. Your nursing staff will give them to you. If you have questions about your medicine schedule, it’s okay to ask.
Avoid Infections
Having diabetes puts you at a higher risk of getting an infection, so it’s important to be extra careful during your hospital stay:
- Ask everyone who comes in your room to wash his or her hands.
- Wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom. And ask for hand sanitizer to be placed near your bed.
- Tell your nurse about any cuts, sores or bruises you have.
- Ask friends and family who aren’t feeling well to stay home.
Planning for Meals
Once you’re admitted to the hospital, ask if there’s a special meal plan for patients with diabetes. You can also ask to see the hospital’s dietitian if your blood sugar is too high or too low during your stay.
If you need to take medicine or insulin before your meal, make sure you’ve worked out a schedule with your nurse.
Know Your Care Plan
Before you leave the hospital, know how to care for your diabetes and get answers to these questions:
- Are any of your medicines different?
- Are there symptoms to watch out for?
- How long will it take to feel better?
When to Call
If you have symptoms of high or low blood sugar, like being thirsty or feeling shaky, call for your nurse.