The human body breaks down food into glucose and uses it for energy with the help of the hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas. When the insulin process does not function correctly, glucose remains in the body and blood sugar levels become elevated. High blood sugar levels can cause a number of symptoms and health problems in both children and adults.
Hyperglycemia and Diabetes
Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar. Hyperglycemia can occur when health conditions related to insulin production, specifically Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, are not controlled. The most common type of diabetes in children is Type 1, according to the American Diabetes Association, and it occurs when the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Children with pre-diabetes or insulin resistance have blood sugar levels that are elevated but are not sufficiently so to lead to a diagnosis of diabetes. In girls, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS, can be associated with insulin resistance. Girls with PCOS often have enlarged ovaries filled with fluid-filled cysts, can have irregular menstruation, and are more likely to have excess facial and body hair.
High Blood Sugar Symptoms
Diabetes symptoms can be difficult to detect. Children with high blood sugar levels urinate frequently because their kidneys are attempting to flush out excess glucose in the urine. This frequent urination usually results in extreme thirst, and consequently, increased water consumption. Some children with diabetes or insulin resistance also develop thick dark velvet-like skin around their knees, elbows and neck.
Blood Glucose Levels
When doctors suspect a condition related to high blood sugar in a child, they will perform a fasting blood glucose test. Doctors consider blood glucose levels of 126 mg/dL or higher after an 8-hour fast, or two hours after drinking a glucose-laden drink called glucola, as high, and will usually diagnose diabetes. A pre-diabetic or insulin resistant diagnosis is applied when blood glucose levels fall between 110 and 125 mg/dL.
