Flu season is upon us and while being sick with the flu is hard on all kids, children with diabetes can have a more difficult time. When your child is sick with a stomach bug or flu, it's hard to keep a good schedule for eating and taking medications, especially when he or she can't keep anything down.

Sometimes the illness alone can make your child's blood sugar go up or down more than usual. It's a good idea to talk with your child's doctor before an illness strikes so that you can work out a "sick day" plan to follow during those days. Keep your doctor's phone number and emergency number handy, as well as the sick day plan, so you can refer to it when that cold or flu bug strikes.

Find out more about testing your child's blood glucose and ketones during illness, what kind of foods and liquids to offer and how to keep control of the diabetes during this time.

• Tips for Handling Your Child's Sick Days
• The American Diabetes Association Guide to Surviving Sick Days
• KidsHealth: Handling Diabetes When You're Sick
• Children with Diabetes: Sick Days

Photo by Tanasha Cornish