Hypoglycemia In Children

Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when the body's blood sugar is too low. According to the American Diabetes Association, a reading of 70 mg/dL or less is a sign of hypoglycemia in children being treated for diabetes. In a healthy child without diabetes, these values ​​should be less than 55 mg/dL to be considered hypoglycemia.

Children with diabetes are generally more prone to hypoglycemia than a normal children. Symptoms of hypoglycemia in a child with diabetes are more common because a diabetic child refrains from consuming sugar, which can result in blood sugar dropping to dangerous levels.

In rare cases, even a non-diabetic child can become a victim of hypoglycemia. But, hypoglycemia in non-diabetic children is usually associated with a disease or poor function of organs such as the pancreas and kidneys.

                                            

WHY DOES HYPOGLYCEMIA MUST IMMEDIATE TREATMENT?

Hypoglycemia is associated with low blood sugar. Sugar in our body is also known as glucose and glucose is needed by the body and brain to 

function.

it is important to maintain a healthy glucose level: not too high and not too low. If hypoglycemia is not treated immediately, it can worsen and deplete the brain of glucose. If you don't intervene soon, the child may feel confused and unable to handle the situation. In severe cases, the child may even lose consciousness, have seizures or fall into a coma.

Hypoglycemia can also occur if children do not consume enough nutrition according to their daily needs. It can also affect weak children if they skip meals or exercise more than usual if the child has diabetes.

IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HYPOGLYCEMIA AND DIABETES?

As suggested, diabetic children are more prone to hypoglycemia compared to normal children. If a child is taking medication to control or lower their glucose levels, they may lower their glucose levels to dangerous levels.

Diabetes medications affect insulin levels, which is a hormone inside our body that regulates blood sugar levels. If a child is taking any of the diabetic medicines, the blood level in his body can decrease in a very short time. If it falls below 70 mg/dL in a diabetic child, it is usually a sign of hypoglycemia.

In a non-diabetic child, low blood sugar can be related to many other factors. For example, sweating after a rigorous exercise schedule can lead to low blood sugar. Problems with the pancreas and other parts of the body are also major causes of low blood sugar in non-diabetic children.

The normal blood sugar range is between 99 mg/dL and 70 mg/dL. Depending on the symptom, hypoglycemia can be mild, moderate, or severe. Here are some signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia when your glucose level drops below 70 mg/dL:

Mild: below 70 mg/dL

• Intense feeling of hunger

• Nervousness and tremors

• Sweating

Moderate: below 55 mg/dL

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Confusion

• Difficulty speaking

• Feeling anxious and weak

Severe: below 35-40 mg/dL

• Seizures

• Loss of consciousness, coma

                                                SIGNS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA

Hypoglycemia rarely occurs in children, except in those who are treated for type 1 diabetes. Unlike adults, children should be handled with care as they are often unable to perceive warning signs. Under these conditions, doctors recommend supervising children when they play or engage in activities that must constant energy. Recognizing early signs of hypoglycemia in young children is an important aspect of disease control, which can lead to long-term stability and cure.

Below are some examples of hypoglycemia symptoms in children with diabetes:

                                                          HEADACHE

hypoglycemia in children's headache

Children who are old enough to talk may complain of a headache, a potential sign of mild hypoglycemia. A young child may state that they feel "funny" or may give other signals indicating a headache. For example, young children may try to grab their heads, indicating vision problems.

Adults should not ignore these symptoms. If this happens, you can either check your glucose level or ask questions to take appropriate action based on the answers provided.

                                                 INTENSE HUNGER

Not all episodes of hypoglycemia begin with headaches. The first sign of a mild seizure is often followed by intense hunger. Your child may complain of hunger pangs or tell you that his stomach is empty. If the child is well-fed, complaining of intense hunger for food is a potential sign of a mild seizure.

But, if the child is engaged in physical activity, complaints of an empty stomach should not cause panic. Under these conditions, it is better to let children rest and treat them according to the situation.

                                               NAUSEA AND VOMITING

Sometimes vomiting and nausea may occur without any sign of headache or hunger. Experts also suggest that vomiting is the body's natural response to exhausting a toxic substance.

It may be best to watch for any signs of nausea. If the child vomits without previous signs of nausea, do not panic, because any violent reaction to vomiting can make the situation worse. Stay calm and try to diffuse the situation as possible.

                                               SWEAT AND BALLAST

Parents often report that a child's skin color turns gray when blood sugar levels are low. If you notice signs of sweating or paleness, immediately respond to these symptoms according to the procedure recommended by the doctor.