What should a child with diabetes do when experiencing sickness?

When a child with diabetes is experiencing sickness, it is essential to monitor blood glucose levels more frequently. This is because illness can affect insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate metabolism, leading to unpredictable changes in blood glucose levels. Sick days are considered high-risk periods for both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, so checking blood glucose every few hours helps to ensure that the child remains within a safe glucose range and can prompt timely interventions if necessary.

When sick, children should ideally maintain their normal insulin regimen unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare provider. It's crucial not to stop insulin, as this can lead to dangerously high blood glucose levels. Testing for ketones becomes important as well during illness, particularly if blood glucose levels are elevated, to monitor for the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Increasing physical activity is also not advisable during sickness, as it can further complicate the management of blood glucose levels during a time when the child's body is already under stress.