Changes in your kid’s blood sugar might be caused by many factors, such as diet, energy, stress, sicknesses, and more. Blood sugar levels fluctuate from day to night without going higher or lower than the appropriate range. However, hypoglycemia may still occur for your child.
Hypoglycemia happens when a child’s blood sugar levels are too low. When this happens, you should act quickly to bring their blood sugar levels up to a safe range. If you do not address your child’s symptoms, they may lose consciousness, experience seizures, or fall into a coma.
Moreover, hypoglycemia is a medical condition characterized by low levels of glucose in the blood. The brain and the body get most of their energy from glucose. Generally, blood glucose is 70 to 140 mg/dL, but this depends on many variables, including diet or previous meals and medication. Additionally, blood glucose ranges are different for those with type 1 diabetes.
Fortunately, your child’s blood sugar may be treated, and as a parent, it’s your responsibility to keep your child’s sugar levels within a healthy range. Read on as we further understand hypoglycemia in children.
The Primary Cause of Hypoglycemia in Children Is Unknown
When hypoglycemia occurs by itself, it is claimed as a condition, but it becomes a complication if it occurs along with another medical disease. Among hypoglycemic patients, diabetes is the most frequent issue, while insulin resistance develops in other cases.
On the Lookout for the Symptoms
A child who doesn’t have diabetes may be, experiencing a hypoglycemic episode due to a missed lunch. At the same time, we can’t simply rule out the possibility of medication affecting a child’s blood sugar levels.
Additionally, the child may have been born with a metabolic problem. At best, it would be advisable to have the child’s pediatrician check it out. Some of the common symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Shaking, chills, and accompanies with excessive sweating
- Hunger and mood swings
- Paleness
- Weakness and fatigue
- A rapid heartbeat or increased heart rate
- Headache
Meanwhile, more severe symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Confused or hallucination
- A blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Inconsistent coordination
- Stubbornness
- Excessive yawning
The condition will worsen if your child’s blood sugar levels continue to decline. If left untreated, this might lead to convulsions or unconsciousness. If your child experiences convulsions or seizures and unconsciousness, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
Note: Don’t administer anything for your child when an episode occurs, especially if they cannot swallow and don’t have the prescribed medication with you.
Blood Sugar Is Typically Low in the Morning
You must monitor your child’s blood sugar levels when they are out and about during the day. Because undernourishment, high Insulin levels, and excessive activity cause blood sugar levels to drop, you must ensure that your child has a healthy diet. This means they can’t skip breakfast or lunch.
Conclusion
While many treatments are available for this condition, caring for your hypoglycemic child ultimately takes a lot of communication. As a parent, you must make it a goal to help your child describe how they feel regularly. Beyond professional medical advice, letting your child speak up and listening to them is what you can do to understand and help remedy the situation.
Meanwhile, lowering blood sugar to less than 70 mg/dl is recommended for children and infants over 5. Children younger than five years old should keep blood sugar levels to under 80. For more help, it’s best to consult a professional.
If you wish to have your children examined for potential Hypoglycemia, Agile Urgent Care is ready to help. We are a full-service, walk-in medical facility offering world-class yet affordable healthcare to all ages in New Jersey. Book a consultation today.
