If your diabetes is in pretty good control, you probably won't get sick more often than people without diabetes, but everyone does get sick once in a while. In people with diabetes, a cold, flu, and other illness can make blood glucose levels go a little berserk.

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You may think you need to reduce or stop your drug therapy (insulin or oral diabetes medication), especially if you're not eating very much. Younger or newly diagnosed children could need reduced insulin depending on their blood glucose level, but other children need just the opposite-extra insulin. Ask your doctor for guidelines for insulin treatment on sick days and call the doctor anytime you're not sure how much insulin or oral diabetes medication to take.

Stay Close to the Meal Plan
You may want to substitute soup and other comfort foods for the usual fare.   Be sure to maintain about the same meal times and number of carbohydrates at each meal and snack as you would on a normal day. If you have an upset stomach and can't eat, take liquids that contain carbohydrates (sports drinks, juices, gelatin, broth, frozen fruit bars).

Give Plenty of Liquids
Water and other non-caffeinated beverages should be taken often.

Choose Medications Wisely
Many over-the-counter medications contain sugar and/or alcohol. Although there might not be too much glucose in one dose of cough syrup, it can add up if you take it every four hours. If you can't find a glucose-free version or if it's more expensive, just account for the medicine's carbohydrates in the meal plan. Medicines that contain alcohol can lower blood glucose levels. If you choose a medicine that contains alcohol, you may need to eat something when taking it in order to prevent hypoglycemia. You may wish to choose alcohol-free medicines. Many decongestants can raise blood glucose levels. And ibuprofen is not safe for anyone with kidney problems. Ask the doctor what over-the-counter medications he or she recommends for your child.

Check Blood Glucose and Ketone Levels Frequently
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a danger during illness more so for Type 1 diabetics. DKA occurs when a person with diabetes has too little insulin in their system. If left untreated, DKA can lead to coma. To prevent DKA or catch it early, check your blood glucose levels often (every few hours) while sick. You may also, check urine for ketones several times a day. If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, check ketones even more frequently (maybe even every time you urinates, depending on the severity of the illness).