What action should be advised for a 14-year-old type 1 diabetes patient who is ill?

In the context of managing a 14-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes who is ill, monitoring for positive urinary ketone levels is a critical action. Illness can cause stress and potentially increase blood glucose levels, leading to the production of ketones. In type 1 diabetes, the body lacks sufficient insulin to utilize glucose properly, which can result in the breakdown of fats for energy and the release of ketones into the bloodstream.

Monitoring for urinary ketones serves several important purposes. Firstly, it helps determine if the patient is developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition that can occur when insulin levels are inadequately maintained, especially during illness or stress. The presence of ketones can indicate that the body is not receiving the necessary insulin to use glucose, prompting timely interventions.

When monitoring suggests elevated levels of ketones, adjustments to the diabetes management plan, such as increasing insulin doses or seeking medical care, can be made to prevent complications. Therefore, advising to monitor for positive urinary ketone levels is a proactive and essential measure for the safety and health of the patient during illness.