Diabetes in children: Preventing low blood sugar
Why is low blood sugar a problem?
When children's blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg/dL, their bodies react the same as when they are very afraid, angry, or anxious. These symptoms of mild low blood sugar often last for only a short time if your child eats food containing sugar. An emergency situation will not likely develop, and your child won't have any lasting effects.
If your child's blood sugar continues to drop (below 40 mg/dL), the brain may receive too little sugar to work properly, and judgment and muscle coordination are affected. Children may not realize that their blood sugar is too low and may not think they need to eat food to raise the level. You or someone else may have to help your child eat or drink something.
If your child's blood sugar level continues to drop (below 20 mg/dL), he or she can lose consciousness. If your child doesn't receive prompt emergency care, such as a glucagon shot, he or she may go into a coma and possibly die.
Test Your Knowledge
Answer the following question to see whether you understand what can happen if low blood sugar is not treated early.
If your child's blood sugar level drops very low (below 20 mg/dL):
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How do you deal with low blood sugar?
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| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: January 19, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology | |
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