Browse Categories

Sick Day Plan

According to the American Diabetes Association, being sick can greatly increase the blood glucose (sugar) level and can cause serious conditions that could potentially put your child in a coma. Be sure to work out a sick day plan so that when your child gets sick, you both will feel safe and secure. You can work with your physician or a diabetes educator, such as a TriWest health care coach, to create this plan, which should include how often to measure blood sugar and urine ketones, what medicines to take and how to eat.

You should also attach a list of phone numbers for your child's doctor, dietitian and diabetes educator to the sick day plan in case of emergencies.

Medicines

When your child is sick, it's important to continue giving them diabetes medicine, even if your child is vomiting. The body makes extra glucose when it's sick.

Food and Drink

Eating and drinking can be a challenge when sick, so it's important to include a meal plan in your child's sick day plan. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates every three to four hours.

Fluids

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup soup
• ½ cup fruit juice
• ½ cup regular soft drink (not diet)

Foods

• 1 slice dry toast (not light bread)
• 6 saltine crackers
• 1/3 cup frozen yogurt
• 3 graham crackers
• ½ cup mashed potatoes
• ½ cup regular ice cream
• ¼ cup regular pudding