Children who need to watch their blood sugar levels usually have diabetes. The American Diabetes Association says that diabetes is a disease where the body cannot make or use its insulin to take the sugar from the bloodstream and bring it to the other cells in the body. Increased blood sugar levels in kids and adults can cause serious health complications such as a stroke.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood levels, according to the American Heart Association. Hyperglycemia can have various causes. It can occur if your child has Type 1 diabetes and does not get enough insulin. In children with Type 2 diabetes, insulin may not work effectively. Your child with diabetes might experience raised glucose levels if they have deviated from their daily diet or exercise program.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, the medical term for low blood sugar level, can result in dizziness, shakiness, headaches and pale skin color. The best way to treat hypoglycemia is adding sugar to your child's bloodstream, according to American Diabetes Association. This can be done by giving them a sugar tablet or providing some simple carbohydrates to eat.
Checking Blood Sugar Levels
The American Diabetes Association recommends checking your child's blood sugar levels if he is taking insulin or diabetes pills, is on intensive insulin therapy or if you are having a hard time controlling his blood sugar levels. Write down the results after you check the blood sugar levels with your meter. The results should let you know how well lifestyle changes and medications are working. Consult the doctor or diabetes specialist if you think anything needs to be adjusted.
Prevention of High or Low Blood Sugar Levels
The American Diabetes Association says there needs to be a balance between the dosages of insulin, exercise and diet for your child to control her blood sugar levels. Not following a meal plan or exercise program laid out by your child's health-care professional may make it difficult to control blood sugar levels. Adhering to eating schedules, taking medications as directed and getting regular exercise for 30 minutes a day is a good way to keep blood sugar levels under control, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Considerations
Visit your doctor or health care professional to learn what your child's blood sugar levels should be on a daily basis. Every person with diabetes has a target range where their blood sugar levels should be at all times. KidsHealth says to ask your health care professional how often to test your kid's blood sugar levels with your meter. The child's diet or exercise program may need to be adjusted overtime as the child gets older.
