Hypoglycemia is an abnormally low blood sugar level. Hypoglycemia rarely occurs in children other than in those who have type 1 diabetes mellitus. These children must take insulin to control their blood sugar (glucose) levels. However, the blood sugar sometimes drops too low causing an episode of hypoglycemia. Untreated hypoglycemia can lead to seizures and coma. Recognizing the symptoms of hypoglycemia is important for early intervention to restore the blood sugar to a normal level.
Headache
Children old enough to talk may complain of headache with an episode of hypoglycemia. A young child may tell you her head "feels funny." This could also mean she is feeling dizzy or lightheaded, which are also symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Hunger
An episode of hypoglycemia often triggers intense hunger. A child may complain of hunger pains or tell you his stomach feels empty.
Nausea and Vomiting
Hypoglycemia may cause nausea and vomiting, especially in young children. This may occur even as the child is voicing her extreme hunger.
Sweating and Paleness
The body often responds to hypoglycemia by releasing adrenalin, which causes sweating and paleness. Parents often report a child's skin tone is grayish when his blood sugar is low.
Lightheadedness, Dizziness and Fainting
Lightheadedness and dizziness are common symptoms of hypoglycemia. In a toddler, you may notice the child falls back down when attempting to stand. Encourage a child complaining of dizziness to sit or lie down to avoid potential injury.
Visual Disturbances
Older children may complain of blurry vision or double vision with a hypoglycemic attack. Try to get the child to sit down to avoid accidental injury.
Rapid Breathing and Tingling Around the Mouth
A child with low blood sugar often breathes more rapidly than normal. He may also complain of a tingling or prickly feeling around the mouth.
Shakiness, Weakness and Clumsiness
Without sufficient glucose to support brain and muscle activity, an episode of hypoglycemia can cause loss of muscular strength and coordination. The child may drop things or stumble while walking. Her speech may be slurred. In an infant, you may notice floppiness--a lack of normal muscle tone.
Irritability, Moodiness and Behavior Changes
Irritability and sudden mood swings are common symptoms of hypoglycemia in children. The child may seem anxiousness or nervous. He may have a sudden outburst of anger or burst into tears without apparent cause. Erratic, inappropriate or odd behavior, uncooperativeness and combativeness are possible clues to a low blood sugar.
Confusion and Inattention
Brain activity is impaired when there is insufficient blood glucose to fuel the brain cells. As a result, an episode of hypoglycemia often causes confusion and inattention. Teachers should be aware of these and other symptoms of hypoglycemia in case the child suffers a hypoglycemic episode at school.
Drowsiness and Lack of Energy
A severely low blood glucose level causes drowsiness and depresses energy level. You may notice the child yawning or staring blankly ahead. If he has been sleeping, he may be difficult to awaken. Once awake, he may be irritable and want to go back to sleep. Since hypoglycemia can occur during the night, be alert for sweating that may have occurred during sleep, making his bed clothing or sheets damp.
Seizures
A markedly low blood sugar can cause seizures. Talk with your child's doctor about emergency plans for what to do should your child have a seizure.
