Diabetes
Practical help for day‑to‑day diabetes care – and a clear plan for when you’re unwell
Diabetes management is a long game. Most of the “big wins” come from small, repeatable habits: checking glucose in a way that actually informs decisions, taking medicines consistently, and knowing what to do when illness disrupts your routine. This guide covers the essentials – especially the sick‑day rules that can prevent serious complications.
Emergency: call 000 now
Call 000 immediately for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, collapse, or signs of stroke (face droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty). If someone with diabetes is unconscious, having a seizure, or cannot swallow safely, treat as an emergency.
Quick Definitions: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes– when the body no longer makes insulin because the immune system has damaged the insulin-producing cells. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day
- Type 2 Diabetes – when the body does not use insulin properly, or does not make enough of it, leading to high blood sugar. It is usually managed with healthy lifestyle changes and medicines, and sometimes insulin.
- Gestational Diabetes – Gestational Diabetes – diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It usually improves after birth, but it needs careful monitoring during pregnancy.
Monitoring: How to Make Glucose Checks Useful
Monitoring is most helpful when it answers a question: Is my treatment working? How does my breakfast affect me? Am I going low overnight? Depending on your treatment, monitoring may include finger‑prick blood glucose, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), or HbA1c blood tests through your GP.
Finger‑prick glucose (BGL)
- Useful for day‑to‑day decisions, especially if you use insulin or medicines that can cause hypos.
- Most helpful when you record context (food, activity, stress, illness, missed doses).
- Bring your meter in – we can check technique and strip storage.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
- Shows glucose trends and alerts for lows/highs.
- Can reduce “surprise hypos” and help with pattern spotting.
- Discuss suitability and access through your diabetes team/NDSS pathways.
Ask your GP: what are my targets?
Targets vary by age, pregnancy status, comorbidities and hypoglycaemia risk. Your GP or diabetes team will set personalised goals for HbA1c and daily glucose ranges.
Medicines: The Big Picture (and Common Pitfalls)
Diabetes medicines work in different ways: some improve insulin sensitivity, some increase insulin release, some reduce glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, and some slow digestion and reduce appetite. The best plan is individual – but safe use has a few universal rules.
- 1Take medicines consistently: missed doses are a common cause of “mystery highs”.
- 2Know your hypo risk: Some medications such as insulin and gliclazide can cause your sugars to be too low; many other medicines don’t.
- 3Check interactions: some medicines can affect glucose (e.g., steroids) or interact with diabetes therapy.
- 4Never “double up” without advice if you miss a dose – ask us what to do.
Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar): recognise it early
Common signs include shaking, sweating, hunger, palpitations, irritability, confusion and blurred vision. If you’re at risk of hypos, ask your healthcare team about the “15 grams fast sugar” approach and whether you should carry glucose tablets or gel.
Sick‑Day Basics: Your Plan for When You’re Unwell
Managing your blood glucose when you are sick or dehydrated can be difficult. If you are eating or drinking less, or have vomiting or diarrhoea, your blood glucose may go too low or too high depending on your medicines. Diabetes Australia recommends that everyone with diabetes has a written sick-day plan tailored to them, and knows when to seek medical help.
Do (most people)
- Keep checking glucose more frequently (your GP/team can advise the schedule).
- Keep fluids up: small sips often if nauseated; choose sugar‑free fluids unless treating a hypo.
- Keep some carbohydrate intake if possible (e.g., soup, yoghurt, crackers) – especially if using insulin or sulfonylureas.
- Never stop insulin without medical advice. In some cases of illness, your insulin requirements may go up or down. Monitor sugars as needed and contact your care team if you cannot get your sugar in range.
- Type 1 diabetics should always have ketone testing supplies on hand. For other patients, the need to keep these supplies will be individualised based on your therapy. Speak to your care team to see if this is needed for you.
Call 000 or go to the emergency department if:
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- You are having high glucose readings despite use of the plan –
- You are experiencing severe abdominal pain – –
- You are experiencing persistent vomiting (more than 4 hours) or if it is red or yellow/green –
- You feel severely dehydrated. Symptoms may include extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, weakness, dry skin, fast heartrate and less urine production . –
- You have fast or unusual breathing
SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin, dapagliflozin): special sick‑day caution
There are some medications that must be stopped temporarily when you are unwell as they may make you sicker or cause damage to your kidneys. These include common diabetes medications, blood pressure medications and pain killers. Talk to your pharmacist, GP and/or diabetes team to receive an individualised plan highlighting which of your medications may be affected.,
Foot, Eye and Kidney Checks: Prevent Problems Early
Diabetes can affect small blood vessels and nerves over time. Preventive checks – and early action – reduce the chance of long‑term complications.
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- Feet: Daily foot checks using a mirror to see the bottom of the foot and between the toes. Check daily for blisters, cuts, redness or swelling. Wear proper fitting shoes. Keep your nails clean and short. If unable to do foot checks due to reasons such as arthritis or eye problems, your doctor can arrange for you to see a podiatrist. – – .
- Eyes: regular eye checks detect diabetic retinopathy early.
- Kidneys: urine and blood tests through your GP help track kidney health.
How Moss Vale Community Pharmacy Can Help
Diabetes care is a team effort. We can support you with practical tools, medicine safety checks and help building routines you can sustain.
Blood Pressure & Heart Risk Support
BP control is one of the biggest levers for reducing diabetes complications.
Medicine Counselling
How to take your diabetes medicines, what side effects to watch for, what to do during sick days, and how to manage missed doses
Interaction & Safety Checks
Review non-prescription medication including vitamins and supplements as well as other prescription medicines you may be taking to check if they affect your diabetes medicines or glucose management.
Medication Reviews
Structured reviews to reduce duplication, simplify schedules, and improve safety.
Monitoring Help
Meter technique, strip storage, and support understanding patterns in your readings.
Sick‑Day Prep
Help building a “sick‑day kit” and knowing when to escalate to your GP or emergency care. Your pharmacist can give you targeted recommendations for managing diabetes including low blood sugars, your diabetes during sick days and when to escalate to your GP or emergency care
Resources and Support
Trusted Australian resources for diabetes education, NDSS support, and sick‑day guidance:
National support and education
NDSS – National Diabetes Services Scheme Subsidised diabetes products, education and support programs. Diabetes Australia Information, advocacy and practical resources. Healthdirect – Diabetes Overview of types, symptoms, diagnosis and management.Helplines
Need Help With Diabetes Medicines or Sick‑Day Planning?
Bring your medicine list (including supplements) and your glucose meter or CGM details into Moss Vale Community Pharmacy. We can help you build a safer routine and know exactly what to do when you’re unwell.
02 4868 1293Moss Vale Community Pharmacy | 412 Argyle Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for general health education purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 immediately. Information was current at the time of publication and may not reflect the very latest clinical guidelines. External links are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute endorsement by Moss Vale Community Pharmacy.