A high or low blood sugar is typically a health concern for adults, but keep in mind that children can suffer from it too; that’s why it’s important to identify the symptoms that indicate whether you need to call your pediatrician or take an emergency trip to your local urgent care.
Blood Sugar Problems in Children
Glucose is the main source of energy for the body, and without it, the body will not function properly. Blood sugar problems often come in two forms:
Hyperglycemia is when the amount of glucose in the blood goes above normal levels. Symptoms of this condition include both hunger and thirst. Another symptom is frequent urination, which is caused by the excess glucose being excreted from the body.
Hypoglycemia is when the amount of glucose in the blood is below normal levels. Symptoms of this condition include hunger, weakness or tiredness, irritability, sweating or shakiness, and rapid heartbeat.
If you or your child experience any of the above symptoms, you can take a few steps to help manage the blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar Problems in Children
When your child’s blood sugar is too high, the following are the usual signs you should watch out for:
- Constant trips to the bathroom;
- Weight loss even with normal appetite;
- Extreme thirst;
- Lethargy and fatigue;
- Sweating and shakiness;
- Irritability and confusion;
- Yeast infections;
- Vision problems;
Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar Problems in Children
When your child’s blood sugar is too low, the following are the usual signs you should watch out for:
- Pale or gray skin;
- Shakiness;
- Thirst;
- Hunger;
- Sweating;
- Irritability;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Weakness;
- Dizziness;
- Blurred vision;
- Headache;
- Moodiness;
Treating Fluctuating Blood Sugar Levels in Children
If your child has been experiencing either high or low blood sugar symptoms and those symptoms persist, call your pediatrician. They will be able to determine if your child’s blood sugar levels are too high or too low and administer the necessary treatment.
To maintain your child’s blood sugar levels on a daily basis, here are some things to consider:
- In order to treat decreasing blood sugar levels, you should give your child a snack of foods that are high in carbohydrates. These foods include crackers, cereal, bagels, and fruit.
- In order to treat increasing blood sugar levels, you should give your child a snack of foods that are high in protein and fat. These foods include cheese cubes, peanut butter, and meats.
The Bottom Line: What to Do if Your Child Show’s Signs of Blood Sugar Problems
When it comes to your child’s health, you want to make sure they are always in tip-top shape. Since fluctuating blood sugar levels can be dangerous, you must make it a point to pay attention to the signs your child is showing and take them to a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect that there is a problem. The sooner you act, the better the prognosis will be for your child.
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