Insulet mylife OmniPod, Manual

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Living with Diabetes
119
9
To avoid DKA
The easiest and most reliable way to avoid DKA is by checking
your blood glucose at least 4–6 times a day. Routine checks
allow you to identify and treat high blood glucose before DKA
develops.
To treat DKA
• Once you have begun treatment for high blood glucose,
check for ketones. Check for ketones any time your blood
glucose is 250 mg/dL or above.
• If ketones are negative or trace, continue treating for high
blood glucose.
• If ketones are present, and you are feeling nauseated or ill,
immediately call your healthcare provider for guidance.
• If ketones are positive, but you are not feeling nauseated or ill,
replace the Pod, using a new vial of insulin.
• Check blood glucose again after 2 hours. If blood glucose
level has not declined, immediately call your healthcare
provider for guidance.
n Handling Special Situations
Sick days
Any physical stress can cause your blood glucose to rise, and ill-
ness is a physical stress. Your healthcare provider can help you
make a plan for sick days. The following are only general
guidelines.
When you are ill, check your blood glucose more often (at least
once every 2 hours) to avoid DKA. The symptoms of DKA are
much like those of the flu. Before assuming you have the flu,
check your blood glucose to rule out DKA (see “Diabetic ketoaci-
dosis (DKA)” earlier in this chapter).
To handle sick days
• Treat the underlying illness to promote faster recovery.
• Eat as normally as you can.
• Adjust bolus doses, if necessary, to match changes in meals
and snacks.
• Always continue your basal insulin, even if you are unable to
eat. Contact your healthcare provider for suggested basal
rate adjustments during sick days.
• Check your blood glucose every 2 hours and keep careful
records of results.
• Check for ketones when blood glucose is 250 mg/dL or
higher.
If you need emergency attention, ask a friend or
family member to take you to the emergency
room or call an ambulance. Do NOT drive yourself.