Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common complication in diabetic children. When left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as seizures, coma, and even death. Managing hypoglycemia in diabetic children requires vigilance and prompt action. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar (glucose) level is abnormally low. Glucose is the brain’s and body’s primary fuel source.
Blood glucose levels should be between 70 and 140 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL). The amount varies depending on the most recent meal and other factors, such as medications taken. Blood glucose goal ranges for babies and small children with type 1 diabetes will differ from those for older children.
A blood sugar level that is slightly below the normal range may not cause any symptoms. However, extremely low blood sugar levels can cause serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
Is there a connection between diabetes and hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is far more common in diabetics. Taking insulin-increasing medications is a common part of the disease’s treatment. If things like food, exercise, and diabetes medications are out of balance, hypoglycemia can develop.
The following are some of the most common diabetes significant drawbacks:
- Meals are not balanced by including fat, protein, and fiber.
- Incorrect insulin and carbohydrate timing (For example, after taking insulin for a meal, you may wait too long to eat it).
- Having a late meal or skipping a meal.
- Having a higher level of activity than usual.
- Consumption of insufficient carbohydrates.
- Hypoglycemia can also occur when a diabetic uses the incorrect insulin, takes too much, or injects it incorrectly.
Hypoglycemia: What Causes It?
Hypoglycemia can occur due to different factors. Low blood sugar can strike anyone with diabetes, even those who adhere to their treatment plan carefully. Your child’s sugar levels may drop if he or she:
- Inadequate nutrition – When taking diabetes medicine, they skip or delay meals or snacks, or they don’t eat as much carbohydrate-containing food as they should. This is common in children who have a stomach virus or another illness that causes them to lose their appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
- Insulin overdose – takes too much insulin, the wrong type of insulin, or the wrong time during the day
- Excessive unplanned activity – Exercises more than usual without eating additional snacks or adjusting diabetes medication dosage
Why is hypoglycemia a cause for concern?
Blood glucose is the brain’s primary source of energy. The brain’s ability to function can be harmed by a lack of glucose. Severe or long-term hypoglycemia can cause seizures, serious brain damage, and even death.
What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Hypoglycemia?
Some children may experience hypoglycemia symptoms, while others may experience no symptoms at all. When you do regular blood sugar tests and find that your child’s blood sugar level is low, you may realize he or she has hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia is divided into three categories – mild, moderate, and severe. These symptoms may not be visible in young children. They may not appear to be themselves at times.
Here are the symptoms your child may experience at each level, as well as how you can help them, based on their age:
Mild hypoglycemia (60-80 mg/dL) symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of mild hypoglycemia in children include:
- Confusion
- Headache
- Hunger
- Irritability, anger and frustration, or anxiety
- Sweating or shivering
- Tiredness, sluggishness, or pale face
Moderate hypoglycemia (50-60 mg/dL) symptom
Your child may experience mild hypoglycemia symptoms as well as the following:
- Feel puzzled or disoriented
- Need assistance with eating and drinking
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia (less than 40 mg/dL)
Severe hypoglycemia is uncommon, but it can be deadly. If your child is experiencing the following signs and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia, seek medical help right away.
- Loss of consciousness
- Experiencing a seizure
- Passing out (fainting)
What Is the Diagnosis of Hypoglycemia?
- Testing blood sugar is the only way to diagnose low blood sugar
- If you suspect hypoglycemia, test as soon as possible
- If unable to test quickly, treat immediately to prevent symptoms from worsening
What are the potential complications of hypoglycemia in a kid?
Blood glucose is required for brain function. The brain’s ability to function can be harmed by a lack of glucose. Severe or long-term hypoglycemia can result in seizures and brain damage.
Treatment of Hypoglycemia
- The goal of treatment for children with diabetes is to keep their blood glucose levels within a safe range. This is accomplished by:
- Glucose levels should be checked frequently.
- Recognizing signs and symptoms
- Quickly treating the underlying condition
- Food Containing Quick-Absorbing Sugar
- Give your child a food containing quick-absorbing sugar, such as these, to correct low blood sugar like hard candy, Fresh juice, etc. Give older children foods or drinks such as glucose tablets, candies, or other sweets.
- Avoid high-protein carbohydrate foods like milk and nuts. They may boost the insulin response to carbohydrates in the diet.
- Check blood glucose levels every 15 to 20 minutes until they reach 100 dg/dL.
- If your child’s hypoglycemia is severe, a glucagon injection may be required.
Inquire with your child’s healthcare provider about the appropriate amount of sugar to give based on his or her age and weight. It’s critical to seek their advice on this because it’s unique to your child and their requirements.
It should be noted that:
- Infants may require 6 grams of sugar, while toddlers may require 8 grams, and small children may require 10 grams.
- Teenagers and older children may require 15 grams of sugar, which is the same as the adult recommendation.
- Check your child’s blood sugar level again 15 minutes after giving the sugary food or drink. Give them more if it’s still low. Continue to monitor their blood sugar until it rises above 100 mg/dL.
- Once blood sugar levels have returned to normal, give your child a snack that contains a combination of complex carbohydrates, fat, and protein to keep them stable.
Preventive Measures
Is it Possible to Prevent Low Blood Sugar?
Hypoglycemia may sound frightening, and you may wonder if it is possible to avoid it. Kids with diabetes will occasionally have low blood sugar levels, regardless of how well they take care of themselves.
However, taking the following steps can help:
- After an insulin shot, avoid taking a hot bath or shower.
- Follow your diabetes management plan strictly.
- Have an extra snack if you exercise longer or harder than usual.
- Make an effort to eat all of your meals and snacks on time and without skipping any.
- Make sure you’re getting the right amount of insulin.
Conclusion
Managing hypoglycemia in diabetic children is crucial for preventing serious complications. To do so, children must frequently check their glucose levels, recognize symptoms, treat the underlying condition quickly, and consume quick-absorbing sugar to correct low blood sugar.
With Babynama Care Plans, you can get Nutrition and Diet planning, along with 24X7 pediatric support for your baby. Click here to explore the plans. (https://babynama.com/care-plans?utm_source=blogs)