Mary was at church with her mom on Sunday when she felt nauseous. “Mommy, I think I’m going to throw up!” Her mother told her, “I want you to run outside as fast as you can. Go behind the bushes, you can throw up there and nobody will see you.” So Mary ran for the door but less than a minute later, she was back in her seat next to mom. “Did you make it to the bushes that fast Mary?” she asked. “I didn’t have to go that far, Mommy, Just as I got to the front door, I found a box that had a sign on it: FOR THE SICK.”
When your child is sick, it’s not a laughing matter. This is especially true if your child has Type 1 diabetes. What do you need to know?
First, when someone is sick, their body requires extra energy to help the immune system fight off infection. Juvenile diabetics are at particular risk when sick of not keeping enough glucose in their system to fight their infections.
Sick kids are often not interested in eating—this decrease in food intake can lead to lower blood sugar. Your main concern as a parent of a child with diabetes is that your child takes in enough food and insulin to prevent her body from burning fat for energy. Fat burning leads to ketone production: ketoacidosis is a serious, life-threatening condition.
Be Watchful! Take blood sugar readings…
and watch for ketones
Second, take blood sugar readings more frequently. Remember, ketoacidosis can occur in a sick child with normal blood sugar readings. Monitor ketones every 6 to 8 hours, especially if your child is dealing with low blood glucose and poor appetite.
Fluids
Third, offer your child lots of fluids with simple, easy to digest carbohydrates in them. This is true for stomach illness as well as for respiratory infections since extra fluids help to thin mucus. Ginger ale, apple or pear juices are all good choices. Avoid milk and caffeine…however, if your child won’t take anything else, give them that.
In winter, warm beverages like mint or ginger tea with sugar or honey sweetening work well. Popsicles or frozen ice cubes of apple juice, or a slushy of frozen juice put through a blender will sooth the throat.
Stay Vigilant: Monitor those Blood Sugar Test Strips
Of course, every child’s reaction to illness is different and may actually differ for every illness. But if you remain vigilant, you can manage your child’s blood sugar and help them fight off infections.
Some Signs or Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
Be aware of some signs or symptoms of low blood sugar.
Ø Irritability, confusion, or anxiety
Ø Trembling, weakness, palpitations and sweating
Ø Hunger, sugar cravings
Ø Headache
Extremely low blood sugar can result in seizures or coma.
Stay Healthy Yourself
Finally, it is important to stay healthy yourself. So keep washing your hands and don’t lose your sense of humor. Laughter is the best medicine and it can help you stay healthy.