Type 2 diabetes

Managing diabetes during your hospital stay

Keeping your blood sugar under control takes careful attention. Make a diabetes care plan with your doctor or nurse and include:



• 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 

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 be responsible for giving them to you. If you have questions about your schedule, it’s okay to ask.

Planning for meals

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. 

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 their 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.