Diabetes Management During a Hospital Stay

Why Hospital Stays Are Especially Challenging for People With Diabetes

A hospital admission — whether planned or emergency — throws your carefully managed diabetes routine into disarray. Unfamiliar meals, stress hormones, IV fluids, steroids, and restricted mobility can all cause blood sugar levels to spike or crash unpredictably. Studies consistently show that poorly controlled glucose during hospitalization is associated with slower wound healing, higher infection rates, and longer stays.

Being proactive before and during your admission is one of the most important things you can do for your recovery.

Before You're Admitted: What to Prepare

If your hospital stay is planned, use the time beforehand to organize your diabetes supplies and documentation.

• Create a medication list: Include every diabetes drug, insulin type, dose, and timing. Note brand names and generics.
• Document your devices: If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or insulin pump, write down the model, settings, and your endocrinologist's contact information.
• Pack your own supplies: Hospitals may not stock your preferred meter, test strips, or CGM sensors. Bring extras from home or order ahead from mdsdiabetes.com so you aren't caught short.
• Request an endocrinology consult: Ask your admitting physician to involve a diabetes specialist or diabetes educator during your stay.

Advocating for Yourself Inside the Hospital

Hospital protocols are designed for general populations. As a diabetic patient, you may need to speak up to ensure your specific needs are met.

Insulin and Medication Continuity

Many hospitals use standardized sliding-scale insulin protocols that don't match individualized regimens. Politely but firmly share your home basal-bolus schedule with the care team and ask that it be honored when clinically safe. Bring written documentation from your endocrinologist if possible.

Blood Sugar Monitoring Frequency

Inpatient glucose checks are sometimes done less frequently than you do at home. If you use a CGM, confirm with staff whether the hospital allows personal devices. Many institutions now permit patient-owned CGMs. Having your own reliable meter and adequate test strips ensures you are never left guessing between checks.

Carbohydrate-Consistent Meals

Hospital dietitians can provide carbohydrate-consistent meal plans. Request a diabetes-appropriate diet as soon as you are admitted and remind staff with each meal delivery.

Managing Supplies During Your Stay

Running out of test strips, lancets, or CGM sensors mid-hospitalization is a real risk. Before any planned admission, stock up on a 30-to-60-day supply of your essential diabetes consumables. MDS Diabetes offers a wide selection of meters, test strips, CGM supplies, and lancets — all available conveniently at mdsdiabetes.com — so you can order ahead and arrive prepared.

After Discharge: Transitioning Back to Your Routine

Discharge is a high-risk period. Medications may have changed, and stress-related blood sugar elevation can persist for days. Before leaving:

• Confirm your updated medication list with the discharging nurse or pharmacist.
• Schedule a follow-up with your endocrinologist within one week.
• Monitor blood glucose more frequently for the first 48–72 hours at home.
• Restock any supplies used during your stay promptly.

Building an Emergency Diabetes Kit

Whether a hospital visit is planned or sudden, an always-ready emergency kit can make a critical difference. Your kit should include:

• Blood glucose meter and extra batteries
• At least 50 test strips and a full container of lancets
• Fast-acting glucose tablets or gel for hypoglycemia
• A 7-to-14-day supply of all insulin and oral medications
• A printed copy of your diabetes care plan and emergency contacts
• CGM sensors and transmitter if applicable

MDS Diabetes makes it easy to build and replenish this kit with competitively priced supplies shipped directly to your door. Visit mdsdiabetes.com to browse available products and set up automatic refills so you are never caught unprepared.