Final answer:
In managing diabetes mellitus, especially when sick, one should maintain their regular medication schedule, which includes taking regular insulin injections or oral diabetes medications. Increased monitoring of blood glucose levels during illness is critical, and fluid intake should be maintained or increased.
Step-by-step explanation:
When managing diabetes mellitus and a patient is sick, it is important to maintain their regular medication schedule. This includes continuing with their insulin injections or oral diabetes medications as usual because illness can often increase blood glucose levels due to the stress on the body and the potential release of hormones that counteract insulin. Skipping insulin doses can lead to high blood glucose levels, while increasing insulin doses should be done with caution and under medical guidance. Patients with diabetes should also monitor their blood glucose levels more frequently when sick. It is also advised that patients maintain or increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration, especially if there is a fever or vomiting.
People with type 1 diabetes must frequently monitor their blood sugar and use insulin injections to control their levels, as they are essential for life. Managing diabetes effectively involves a combination of lifestyle factors, such as exercise and a healthy diet, and medication or insulin therapy for those who cannot achieve control by lifestyle changes alone.