| Figure Target blood glucose in children and adolescents with diabetes | |
|
6 to 12 years |
13~19 years old |
|
Fast stomach: 70~150mg/dl |
|
|
Pre-meal: 90~130mg/dl |
|
| Pre-exercise at least: 150mg/dL |
|
|
Nighttime: 100-180mg/dl |
Nighttime: 90~150mg/dl |
| Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is less than or about: 7.5% | |
Note: These are general medical guidelines, please follow your doctor’s instructions.
Good control of blood glucose levels helps children with diabetes to grow and develop normally. Because target blood glucose changes as your child gets older, your doctor will help parents determine the normal blood glucose level your child needs to maintain. Check your child’s blood glucose several times a day to see what steps need to be taken to make adjustments.
The goal for parents is simple: when your child’s blood glucose level is not normal, take steps to bring it back to normal. What factors can cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate?
- Diet.
- Eating and drinking.
- Exercise.
- Growth and hormones.
- Disease.
- Stress and other emotions.
- Medications.
Don’t expect your child’s blood sugar levels to stay normal. As your child enters puberty, changes in hormone levels may cause problems such as changes in blood sugar.
Remember that the numbers on a blood glucose meter do not indicate “good” or “bad” blood glucose levels, they are just numbers. These numbers provide information on how to keep your child healthy. Checking blood glucose is the best way to avoid dangerous highs and lows because parents or children may not notice the symptoms.
Help your child learn to manage their diabetes on their own and encourage good habits. Praise your child when they are brave enough to check their blood glucose, regardless of the test results. When blood glucose levels are outside the normal range, tell your child not to be afraid or to blame them. Provide support to get your child’s blood glucose levels back to normal.