Most people have not had their child’s blood sugar tested, so it is highly unlikely that they will know if their child’s blood sugar levels are normal. However, there are certain signs that suggest that your child’s blood glucose levels may be abnormal and that you need to consult your doctor if you find these conditions.
Abnormal signs of high blood glucose
If your child has just eaten ice cream, you can guess that his or her blood sugar level is high. However, if the child is healthy, blood glucose levels can return to normal quickly. This steep increase in blood sugar is usually not a problem.
But if your child’s blood glucose level continues to rise until day 2, regardless of the food you eat, it is important to be aware that this may be a sign of diabetes.
Symptoms that suggest your child’s blood sugar levels may be too high include the following.
- Frequent urination: If your child seems to go to the bathroom frequently, it may be because your body is trying to get rid of excess glucose.
- Extreme thirst: If the child urinates frequently, the body is losing a lot of water. The child may try to drink more fluids.
- Weight loss despite excellent appetite: If your child’s body is not using glucose properly, the body may begin to break down muscle and fat for energy.
- Tiredness, moodiness, or irritability: When a child stops playing because he or she is tired, he or she may lack energy because the body is not getting enough fuel for activity.
- Sight problems: High blood sugar can reduce fluid in the eyes, making it difficult to focus.
- Candida infections: Candida can multiply in the presence of sugar and subsequently lead to infections in girls and diaper rash in infants.
Signs of hypoglycemia
Some people may think that low blood sugar is better than high blood sugar, and while this is true, blood sugar should still be above a value when it is low, and if it is too low, it means that the child lacks an adequate source of energy. If the blood sugar is extremely low (what doctors may call hypoglycemia), the child may have a convulsive episode or even brain damage.
A hypoglycemic event may also occur in a child who does not have diabetes, for example, playing soccer without eating lunch. The medications a child takes may also increase the risk of hypoglycemia. It is also possible that the child was born with a condition that affects metabolism. In any case, unless the cause is clear (e.g., not eating before the activity), the child should be taken to the doctor.
If your child has low blood glucose, you may find that he or she has the following symptoms:
- pale or grayish skin;
- Motivation;
- clumsy movements;
- delirium of consciousness.
The child may tell the parent:
- Feeling shaky or dizzy;
- Headaches;
- Blurred vision;
- Sweating a lot;
- easy hunger.
The child may also have tingling in the skin around the mouth and a rapid heartbeat.
Severe hypoglycemia may cause your child to faint. If this happens or your child has a seizure, get medical help right away.