When children with diabetes get sick, their blood glucose can swing unpredictably. Illnesses like fever, flu, or gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea) can make management more challenging — but with the right steps, you can keep them safe.
How illness affects diabetes
- Stress hormones released during illness can raise blood glucose.
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, or poor appetite can lower blood glucose.
- Both extremes increase the risk of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
- Regular monitoring and timely action are key to preventing emergencies.
Essential sick day checklist
- Never stop insulin — even if your child isn’t eating.
- Check blood glucose and ketones more often (every 2–4 hours).
- Stay hydrated — water, electrolyte drinks, soup, or porridge.
- Offer soft, digestible carbs — for example, noodles, oatmeal, bread, yogurt.
- Adjust insulin doses based on food intake and glucose levels.
- Encourage small sips of water —especially if vomiting; even sucking on an ice lolly can help.
Common mistakes during sick days
- Don’t skip insulin injections.
- Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks like coffee, tea, or soda.
- Don’t ignore vomiting — it can be a sign of DKA. If in doubt, seek medical assistance.
When to seek medical help
Take your child to hospital or contact your diabetes team if:
- Repeated vomiting or abdominal pain.
- Persistent hyperglycaemia despite extra insulin.
- Intractable hypoglycaemia (cannot raise blood glucose).
- Signs of DKA (drowsiness, shortness of breath, ketones >1.4 mmol/L).
- You feel worried, exhausted, or unsure — support is always available.
How to be prepared
- Practice good hygiene and frequent hand washing.
- Ensure annual flu vaccination.
- Keep sick‑day supplies ready: ketone strips, electrolyte drinks, soft foods.
Remember: Sick days are stressful, but with preparation and close monitoring, you can keep your child safe and avoid serious complications.