Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state

Sick-day management should be reviewed periodically with all patients. This should include:

• When to contact the healthcare provider

• Blood glucose goals and the use of supplemental short- or rapid-acting insulin during illness

• Means to suppress fever and treat infection.

Patients should be advised that they should never discontinue insulin during illness and should seek professional advice promptly.

The patient/family member must be able to measure and record accurate measurements of blood glucose, insulin administration, temperature, respiratory rate, and pulse. The frequency of blood-glucose monitoring varies between patients, depending on individual clinical condition.