Diabetes in Children: Preventing Low Blood Sugar

Diabetes in Children: Preventing Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, is a common complication of diabetes in children. It occurs when the blood sugar level drops below the normal range. Hypoglycemia can be dangerous if not treated promptly, as it can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.

There are a number of things that can cause hypoglycemia in children with diabetes, including:

• Too much insulin: Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. If a child takes too much insulin, it can cause the blood sugar level to drop too low.
• Not enough food: When a child does not eat enough food, the body will start to break down stored glucose for energy. If the child does not eat enough to replace the glucose that is being used, the blood sugar level can drop too low.
• Exercise: Exercise can cause the body to use glucose for energy more quickly. If a child exercises too much without eating enough food, the blood sugar level can drop too low.
• Illness: When a child is sick, the body will release hormones that can cause the blood sugar level to rise. However, if the child is not eating enough food, the blood sugar level can drop too low.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

The symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild hypoglycemia may cause:

• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Hunger
• Pale skin
• Fast heart rate

More severe hypoglycemia can cause:

• Confusion
• Seizures
• Coma

Treatment of Hypoglycemia

The treatment for hypoglycemia is to raise the blood sugar level as quickly as possible. This can be done by:

• Giving the child a sugary drink or food, such as juice, soda, or candy
• Giving the child a glucagon injection
• Calling 911 if the child is unconscious or having a seizure

Preventing Hypoglycemia

The best way to prevent hypoglycemia in children with diabetes is to:

• Make sure the child is taking the correct dose of insulin
• Make sure the child is eating enough food
• Make sure the child is getting enough exercise
• Monitor the child’s blood sugar level regularly
• Teach the child the symptoms of hypoglycemia and what to do if they occur

Conclusion

Hypoglycemia is a common complication of diabetes in children. It can be dangerous if not treated promptly. However, there are a number of things that can be done to prevent hypoglycemia, including making sure the child is taking the correct dose of insulin, eating enough food, getting enough exercise, monitoring the blood sugar level regularly, and teaching the child the symptoms of hypoglycemia and what to do if they occur.