Diabetes and Damp Sheets: Ask for a Nighttime Action Plan

If you have diabetes and wake to damp pajamas or sheets, bring the episodes to your diabetes team. You may want a clear answer about what to check during the night and what to do with the reading, especially if you are worried about going back to sleep.

Act on a possible low before making notes

Give oral treatment only when the person is awake and able to swallow safely. Never give food or drink to someone unconscious.²

NIDDK advises checking glucose when low-glucose symptoms begin. If below your target, take 15–20 grams of glucose or carbohydrate, recheck after 15 minutes and repeat if still low. Some diabetes medicines require glucose tablets or gel because other carbohydrates work too slowly. Follow your prescribed plan.¹

Severe low glucose can cause seizures or unconsciousness and needs immediate treatment. Helpers should follow the prescribed glucagon emergency instructions and call 911 immediately after giving it, or if no kit is available.¹

The conversations below are examples for planning with your team after immediate care. Adapt the words to your situation.

Ask how to check overnight

“I have been waking with damp sheets. What should I check during an episode, and what glucose level should trigger my treatment plan?”

Bring any readings you already have, the episode times and your medicine list. Ask the team to write down the steps for your own meter or monitoring system, including what to do if you cannot get a reading. Have them explain how to use the instructions during the night.

Review the pattern with the team

“Please look at these episodes alongside my medicines, meals and activity. Does my diabetes plan need a review?”

NIDDK advises working with the diabetes team to prevent and treat lows and adjust the management plan as needed.¹

Ask who to contact about another episode and how soon the team wants to hear. Request a written replacement for any instruction they change. Keep your questions with the current plan rather than changing a dose yourself.

Prepare the person who may help

“Do I need an emergency glucagon kit? Can you show the person who helps me when and how to use it, and write down when to call emergency services?”

Ask where to keep the instructions and whom to contact about supplies. Have your helper explain the plan back to the team so that any uncertainty can be addressed.

Arms Up includes a Fresh Log and visit script. Use them to organize episode observations and questions alongside your diabetes team’s glucose records and action plan.