The food that you eat and the exercise that you do can affect your blood sugar level. While the human body needs the glucose that comes from sugar and uses it as an energy source, too much or too little sugar can negatively impact the body. The blood sugar level that a child has can be an early warning sign of a medical condition and one that you will want to talk about with a pediatrician.

Low Blood Sugar

Kids who suffer from low blood sugar levels have a condition called hypoglycemia. This condition prevents their cells from getting the glucose that they need and may cause the child to feel tired or lethargic. A normal blood sugar for kids ranges from 70 to 150. You can use a blood sugar meter to test for this number. Children with a lower number may exhibit symptoms that include:

  • Hunger pains
  • Mood swings
  • Shakiness
  • Difficulty paying attention
  • Headaches

Children can have hypoglycemia without having a regular problem. It can affect kids who are sick because they don’t eat enough and those who skip eating to play with their friends. Children who have diabetes and similar conditions may have episodes of hypoglycemia, too.

Low Blood Sugar

Type 1 Diabetes

High blood sugar levels for kids may indicate that the child is diabetic. Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when the pancreas cannot process sugar. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can affect children. Though people once called Type 1 juvenile diabetes because it was common in children, anyone who is dependent on insulin is now a Type 1 diabetic. 

The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include feeling thirsty most or all of the time, losing weight without trying, feeling hungry even after eating, fatigue and needing to use the bathroom frequently. Kids with diabetes may feel irritable and suffer from mood swings along with having breath that smells slightly fruity. 

Having diabetes is easy to handle today. Not only will you find blood meters that use a tiny drop of blood and won’t cause any pain, but kids can use meters that attach to their bodies and connect to a phone. This sends a constant signal to the phone that lets them know when their sugar levels are too high or low. 

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can also occur in children. Medications for kids’ blood sugar are easy to take and help children maintain healthy levels. While Type 1 usually requires the use of insulin injection, those with Type 2 can control their levels with pills. The symptoms that your child experiences may include frequent urination, feeling thirsty, weight loss or weight gain, dark spots on the skin, and blurry vision. Diabetics often have patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding areas on their necks, knees, and elbows. This is one of the early warning signs that doctors look for in children. Those who have a family history of diabetes and children who are overweight are more likely to suffer from Type 1 diabetes than their peers.

What Causes High Blood Sugar in Kids?

Also known as hyperglycemia, high blood sugar can occur in children who eat too many carbs or sweet foods. Foods that are high in carbs contain more natural sugars, which the body cannot process quickly. Though sugar doesn’t cause children to act hyper, it can give them a burst of energy that causes a crashing sensation later. Those diagnosed with diabetes need to watch their sugar levels and diets. Eating more foods than they should or eating sweet/junk foods can cause a child’s blood sugar to rise. Kids can also experience a rise in this reading if they do not burn enough calories or become sick. Even the common cold can impact their readings. 

Signs of High Blood Sugar

Both children and their parents should watch for the warning signs of high blood sugar. Frequent urination is one of the more common signs. When the child eats too much sugar, the pancreas cannot keep up with it. This causes the kidneys to work quickly to break down the sugar and force it out of the body, which it does through pee. As children need to use the bathroom more often, they will feel thirstier than they did before and need to drink more. High blood sugar levels may also cause the child to lose weight and feel tired.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Looking at the normal blood sugar for kids levels can help you know when to talk with a doctor about diabetic ketoacidosis. Also known as DKA, it can affect both children and adults. DKA often occurs in those who have high blood sugar levels for an extended period. The medications they take do not help the body produce enough insulin, which deprives it of the necessary fuel. As the body begins looking for other fuel sources, it breaks down the child’s fat surplus and releases ketones. Ketones can make the child feel sick as they reach the urine and blood.

Those in the middle of DKA often experience stomach pain and nausea as well as vomiting. As the condition worsens, they have a hard time concentrating on simple tasks and can have problems breathing. DKA also changes the way the child’s breath smells and can make them feel tired. 

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Emergency Help vs. Checkup

Parents who keep their eyes on blood sugar levels for kids often want to know when to talk to a doctor. You need to know when your child needs immediate help at the emergency room and when you can schedule a routine checkup. If your child exhibits a few symptoms, make a note to talk to your doctor later. Kids who experience severe symptoms and have difficulty breathing or cannot keep foods or liquids down should see a doctor as soon as possible.

When you visit the ER, the doctor uses a meter designed to test kids’ blood sugar and uses that reading to decide on a course of action. Those in the middle of DKA require insulin, which they get through an IV inserted directly into the vein. The doctor may give the child fluids if they show signs of dehydration. Hospital staff will also keep an eye on the child’s pulse rate and other vital signs. Even if your child does not need an IV, the doctor may recommend other medications and send you home with a new prescription.

Blood Sugar Levels in Children

Children of all ages can exhibit symptoms due to sudden increases and decreases in their blood sugar levels. While it’s common for kids to have one or two episodes of low/high blood sugar, frequent episodes can indicate a condition such as diabetes or hypoglycemia. Talking to a doctor about those symptoms helps your child get the right diagnosis and teaches you what you can and cannot do at home. Contact Worldwide Pediatrics Group today to schedule an appointment to talk about blood sugar levels and your child’s symptoms.