When you are sick you have to deal with the aches, pains, and whatever else comes along with it.
Most times you just want to crawl into bed and not move until you feel better.
Unfortunately, if you have diabetes, you have to pay close attention to your blood glucose levels during periods of sickness.
A diabetic's blood sugar does not follow specific rules during periods of sickness - common cold, flu, stomach virus, even dental procedures.
Your blood sugars could be up or down, all bets are off.
You need to do a few things to help keep yourself healthy and your diabetes under control.
Diabetics will need to test your blood sugar more frequently, every 2-4 hours, and keep a log of those results.
You should also check for ketones in your urine every 4 hours, if your blood sugars are running high, and record positive ketone results.
Do not forget to check your temperature as well.
If you have a fever, drink some liquid at least every 30 minutes.
Pay close attention to any unusual blood sugar patterns during this time, and follow the guidelines provided below or by your physician.
As always, when in doubt, call the doctor's office and speak with the advice nurse.
Positive ketones present in your urine with high blood sugar levels means that the body is unable to use the glucose circulating in the blood for fuel and instead burns fat for energy.
Ketone testing is important when you have untreated or uncontrollable high blood sugars.
High blood sugar with positive ketones can lead to a condition known as DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) and can be life-threatening.
Positive ketones with normal blood sugar levels are not an issue.
You should test for ketones any time your blood sugar is over 250 mg/dL and when you are sick.
Ketone testing strips are available at the pharmacy and do not require a prescription.
You should call your doctor when:

• You have rising ketones present and your blood glucose levels are elevated
• Ketones are present for more than 12 hours
• Blood glucose levels are greater than 250 mg/dL
• Vomiting and/or other unusual symptoms occur
• You have a fever of 101 degrees or higher for longer than 24 hours

If you end up calling your physician, be sure to have your log book handy so that you can provide them with your glucose and ketone levels as well as any other pertinent information they may need.
Tips: If you take insulin, do not omit it.
Being sick can raise your blood sugar levels due to stress, even if you are not eating.
If you take oral medications for your diabetes, do not stop taking those as prescribed either.
Even if you do not feel hungry, it is important to have the same amount of carbohydrates that you would normally have.
If you can stand a regular diet, eat.
If you have trouble swallowing, try a soft diet, but eat.
If you are vomiting, try sipping carb-filled liquids to keep your blood sugar from going too low.
If your blood sugar is over 200 mg/dL, drink sugar-free beverages and plenty of water, but stay hydrated.
Drink your carbs when you are not feeling well enough to eat:

• Ginger ale, orange juice, apple or pineapple juice - All 1/2 cup servings contain 15 grams of carbs
• Milk - 1 cup serving contains 12 grams of carbs
• Ice cream, gelatin, sherbet - All 1/2 cup servings contain anywhere from 15 to 30 grams of carbs
• Popsicle - 1 contains about 25 grams of carbs
• Soup - 1 cup contains about 15-30 grams of carbs
• Pudding (sugar-free and regular) - 1/2 cup servings contain 15-30 grams of carbs
• Yogurt (plain, artificially sweetened, or with fruit) - 1 cup contains about 17-40 grams of crab

Be prepared for sick days - have your glucometer out for regular testing, have plenty of fluids around the house (regular and sugar-free), a thermometer for temperature checks, and a box of ketone strips.
Call you doctor with any questions or concerns.