Crohn's disease and diabetes

Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, or a restricted diet can change how much carbohydrate and fluid you take in. That may make usual diabetes routines harder to follow. Crohn's inflammation, illness, and medicines such as steroids can also affect glucose readings, so a change should be discussed rather than handled by guessing.

The two conditions have different treatments and goals, but the teams caring for them should know about each other. Bring an up-to-date medicine list and note bowel symptoms, meals, glucose readings, and hydration when you feel unwell.

Ask your diabetes team for sick-day instructions that fit your Crohn's plan. Continue checking glucose as advised, drink fluids when able, and seek guidance if vomiting or diarrhoea makes food, fluids, or medicines difficult. Do not stop insulin or other prescribed treatment without specific advice.

A GP Consultation can help coordinate gastroenterology and diabetes care. A Blood Test may be used to assess glucose, inflammation, anaemia, or other concerns, depending on your symptoms and existing care plan.

Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, very abnormal glucose readings with illness, heavy bleeding, or severe worsening abdominal pain. Contact your care team promptly when diarrhoea prevents medication or food intake, or when glucose becomes difficult to manage despite following your plan.

Ask which medicines need adjustment during a Crohn's flare, how often to check glucose when eating less, and which symptoms mean you should call urgently. Confirm who will coordinate changes between your digestive and diabetes care.