Madison Diabetes Help: Signs Of Hypoglycemia In Children

Children with diabetes are at risk for hypoglycemia, and it’s extremely important for parents and other caregivers to know how to recognize and treat it immediately. When children experience hypoglycemia, they are at risk for very serious damage to their health. Unless blood sugar is raised to a safe level, seizures, coma and brain damage can result.

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar drops to a level where the body cannot function properly. When glucose isn’t available, proper function is compromised throughout the body. A child who is hypoglycemic is at such dire risk because the brain relies on glucose to function. Serious damage to the brain can occur when its cells do not have the fuel they need. 

It isn’t hard to learn to spot the signs of hypoglycemia in children. Although each child reacts differently to low blood sugar, there are some common symptoms to watch for. 

A child who is hypoglycemic may feel hungry, or express a craving for food. Dizziness, blurred vision or a headache are other possible signs of low blood sugar. Clumsiness, sweating, or a pale coloration may signal hypoglycemia. Fainting or a seizure are some of the more severe and alarming signs that demand immediate care. 

It’s important to pay careful attention to meals if your child has blood sugar problems or diabetes. Try to avoid missed meals or delays in the timing of meals. Sometimes children eat too little food to sustain adequate blood sugar levels even when meals are provided. Illnesses that involve vomiting or diarrhea may put children at risk for hypoglycemia. 

Monitor children at risk for hypoglycemia closely anytime they experience an injury, sickness or increased level of stress. Any situations that involve more exercise or excitement than usual can cause blood sugar swings. Mistakes in administration of medication are another potential cause of hypoglycemia. if your child is given too much diabetes medication or too much insulin, she’s at risk for a potentially problematic drop in blood sugar. 

Children who are experiencing hypoglycemia need immediate care. If you aren’t sure what to do to help a child who appears to have low blood sugar symptoms, find out now. Don’t wait to learn how to handle the initial signs or an emergency situation. Most often, health professionals advise giving the child food or drink that contains sugar to reverse low blood sugar as swiftly as possible. Know your child and any unique care needs she may have regarding hypoglycemia. 

Children who struggle with blood sugar problems need proper evaluation and care. Functional medicine is a great choice for the type of customized therapy that can help children achieve and enjoy optimum wellness. Functional medicine relies on safe, natural therapies to support healthy blood sugar levels. You can help your child’s health in the short term and facilitate future wellness, too, with support from a practitioner who is trained in functional medicine.

-Dr. Ashley Woyak, Forward Natural Medicine