It's that time of year, here come the sick days.

There are just some things that you don't expect when you prepare yourself for parenthood. One of the things that I didn't imagine was being peed on more times then I can count. I guess had I thought it through I may have expected a little pee at the changing table or in the doctor's office. That said, I never imagined how many times I'd be hit collecting a urine sample and I'm talking about pre-diabetes. There was a time when he was about three that I believed my son was trying to pee on my hand. And Arden, oh Arden is the biggest offender as she quite likes to break out into uproarious laughter as I'm bent over collecting the sample during her yearly well visit.

When I realized that checking ketones was a part of diabetes management my first thought was, "great, more to do and learn" but my second thought was, "well at least I don't mind getting peed on anymore".

Today through social media, this time FaceBook, I had a conversation with a mother of a newly diagnosed child who is experiencing their first illness as a type I diabetic. She is understandabley concerned and wanting to make these next few days as stable and simple as she can. I without hesitation recommended that she get a Blood Ketone Meter, we use the Precision Xtra from Abbott.

This meter is fast and accurate when checking ketones, it does require a large drop of blood but nothing that a little extra squeezing can't provide. It's a real lifesaver during sick days and any other times that you require a ketone check. I highly recommend asking your endo to write you a script for one. We actually have two, one at school and one here at home. I can't specifically speak to the pricing as our insurance covers Arden's, however I have seen it online for less then twenty dollars... a small price to pay to avoid getting peed on IMO. Please note that I have never used it as a blood glucose meter and can't speak to it's reliability on that front.

When you have diabetes this time of year is a stressful one. I know that I feel like I'm holding my breath, hoping that Arden doesn't get a cold or worse. There is much that you can do to prevent the spread of germs, hand washing being just one but getting sick is inevitable and being prepared does make the process go smoother. If this meter sits in a drawer 360 days a year it is still well worth having for the other 5.

May you and your children be healthy and germ free this season!

Please know that I have never taken money, products or any other considerations for the product reviews found on Arden's Day. Also consider that I am not a doctor and am just passing on good information from my perspective. Always speak with a health care professional before making changes to a care plan.

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