Target glucose levels for young diabetics under 6 years of age:
- Fasting: 4.44 to 10 mmol/l;
- Pre-meal: 5.56 to 10 mmol/l;
- Post-meal (1 to 10 mmol/l): 5.56 to 10 mmol/l;
- Postprandial (1 to 1½ hours): about 10mmol/l;
- Postprandial (1 to 1½ hours): about 10mmol/l;
- overnight: 6.11 to 11.11 mg/dl;
- Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) less than 8.5%.
Note: These are general medical guidelines, please follow your doctor’s instructions.
Children’s blood glucose levels can be variable, especially in younger individuals. Do not expect your blood glucose levels to stay normal.
The goal for parents is simple.
The goal for parents is simple: when your child’s blood glucose level is not normal, take steps to get it back to normal, because your child cannot adjust it on his or her own. Check your blood glucose several times a day to see what steps need to be taken to make adjustments.
What factors can cause your child’s blood glucose levels to fluctuate?
- Diet.
- Exercise.
- Growth.
- Disease.
- Stress and other emotions.
- Medications.
Remember that the numbers on the glucose meter do not indicate “good” or “bad” blood sugar levels, they are just numbers. These numbers provide information on how to keep your child healthy and happy every day.
Checking is the best way to avoid dangerous hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Parents may not notice symptoms, and the child may not be able to explain what is happening. If the child can’t talk yet, he or she certainly can’t tell the parents that he or she is not feeling well.
As your child gets older, the target blood sugar changes. The doctor will help the parents determine the normal blood glucose level that the child needs to maintain.