Sick Day Rules for Diabetes Medications: Prevent DKA and AKI During Illness
February 4, 2026 by Maxwell Harrington
Managing diabetes medications during illness is critical to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and acute kidney injury (AKI). This guide explains medication-specific rules for metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and insulin. Learn when to stop, reduce, or continue each drug, monitor blood sugar and ketones, and recognize emergency signs. Prepare a sick-day kit for quick action. Follow these evidence-based guidelines to avoid hospitalization.