Hypoglycemia in Children

Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when blood sugar levels drop dangerously low. Blood sugar is needed to fuel all the cells in the body. Hypoglycemia requires treatment to avoid serious complications.

Blood Sugar Levels

A child's blood sugar level should remain between 70 to 150 mg per dl (deciliters) of blood for proper body functioning.

Causes

Hypoglycemia in children may occur as a result of hyperinsulinism, which is a problem that occurs when the body produces too much insulin. Sometimes children are born with hyperinsulinism and may continue to have the problem throughout their lives. Hypoglycemia may also be a complication of diabetes in children as well.

Symptoms

Hypoglycemia may cause the following symptoms in children: dizziness, tremors, hunger, sweating, paleness, irritability, confusion and tingling around the mouth.

Complications

When blood sugar levels stay too low for too long, children may experience seizures or sustain brain injuries.

Treatment

Treatment for children with hypoglycemia is the same as treatment of hypoglycemia in adults. If the child has diabetes, treatments may include frequent blood sugar monitoring and eating or drinking something at the onset of symptoms. If the child does not have diabetes, treatment may include eating small meals several times throughout the day, eating frequent snacks, limiting high carbohydrate foods and exercising regularly.

References

• Children's Hospital: Hypoglycemia