Managing type 1 diabetes during illness requires more attention than you might realize to ensure that your blood sugars remain in your target range. Sick day management training is taught shortly after diagnosis, and should be reviewed often -- at least every year -- to make sure that you understand what needs to be done. Especially important is being aware of and managing the presence of ketones, which can indicate a lack of insulin and the potential for diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially deadly complication.

In this week's poll, about 60% of our respondents feel confident in their sick day management skills and about 40% do not or are neutral. If you don't feel confident, be sure to bring up sick day management during your next clinic visit. In the meantime, download Sick-Day and Surgery Management from the Barbara Davis Center. This can help you review the essentials of sick day management so that you will feel better prepared for the unexpected.