Type 1 Diabetes-Sick Day Management Support During the Stomach Flu

First let me start by saying that over the years I have learned that Type 1 Diabetes is an unpredictable disease that I knew nothing about 5 years ago. That was before my 3 year old son was diagnosed. Since then I have had numerous experiences with doctors with different opinions on how to treat my child. I guess that is why a doctor is always "practicing medicine".

My point is there comes a time when parents of Type 1 Diabetics can learn from each others experiences especially when it comes to preparing for the day when your diabetic child catches the stomach flu or other illnesses that cause high blood sugars and ketones. As everyone knows the stomach flu in normal children causes a severe onset of vomiting and diarrhea that can last several days and comes on with no notice. Since my son was diagnosed over four years ago my family and I have learned (at least 4 times) how to properly manage the stomach flu without the need for hospitalization. Just like any other emergencies you must be prepared by making sure you have all the right items on hand in case your hit with those famous words "my tummy hurts". This usually occurs at night when you are half asleep so having the following items on hand is important.

Keto sticks,Extra Insulin,Extra Syringes or insulin pump supplies, Pedialyte,Sugar and non-sugar decaf soda (only use if needed as it will cause dehydration), Glucagon, Alarm Clock, Hard candy (only if your child is old enough to eat without choking)

Now I will explain a little on why you need all that junk for the stomach flu. First things first. When the stomach flu hits vomiting occurs regularly depleting the body of a large amount of fluids. This must be replaced to avoid dehydration. In a child with Type 1 diabetes you have to be prepared to battle ketones that are brought on by the illness. Ketones are caused by high blood sugar and the absence of insulin in the body. In order to get rid of the ketones you must keep giving your child insulin even though their blood sugar will most likely be low. Don't get frustrated if you child is having a hard time keeping down liquids. If they are able to take a few sips of sugared soda or pedialyte every 20 minutes or so and keep it down for short periods this is enough to keep them hydrated and maintain a fairly good blood sugar. In my experience you will have to set an alarm every 20 minutes or so through the night to keep this up. Be sure to check blood sugars often. If the low blood sugars continue have your child suck on a piece of hard sugared candy to help maintain their blood sugar. This should only be done if you child is old enough to eat hard candy. All this will make you tired but it should keep your child out of the hospital and keep you sane.

Remember a cure is just around the corner.