Peer Reviewed
Diabetes clinic

Sick day care in children with type 1 diabetes

Uma Ganti, Aris Siafarikas
Abstract
In children with type 1 diabetes, intercurrent illness can easily lead to complications such as ketoacidosis, dehydration, uncontrolled hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia. A sick day management plan helps avoid and treat these complications.
Key Points

    A ‘sick day’ in children with type 1 diabetes refers to a period of intercurrent illness that affects glycaemic control and potentially requires adjustments to the child’s usual management practices. During sick days, the blood glucose level (BGL) may be minimally affected, high or low. The child may develop ketoacidosis or dehydration. A sick day management plan and sufficient supplies in the home to implement the plan may help children and their parents minimise these complications. An important decision for the treating physician is whether the child can be treated safely at home or requires hospital admission.

    Picture credit: © Imagepointfr/Depositphotos. Models used for illustrative purposes only and are not sick.

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