The American Diabetes Association urges diabetics who are sick to continue taking insulin or medications and to check blood glucose levels every three to four hours.

Health are providers should be contacted if vomiting or diarrhea last more than six hours; if fever keeps going up or lasts more than a day; if there is abdominal pain, or blood glucose levels are hard to control.

"People with diabetes have special considerations when they are under the weather," Ann Albright of the American Diabetes Association says in a statement. "It is important to have a plan with your healthcare team in place before you become sick, to avoid getting worse."

The ADA also advises diabetics to eat about 15 grams of carbohydrates every hour or so and stay hydrated. If blood glucose is too high, try sugar-free liquids like water, tea, or broth. If the blood glucose level is low, take liquids with about 15 grams carbohydrates in them, such as one-half cup of apple juice or 1 cup of milk.

Diabetics should consult with healthcare provider before taking any cold or flu medicines. Some can raise blood glucose or blood pressure levels.