Your child begins to shake and sweat, his heart races, he becomes irritable and then weak and disoriented: These are just some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, meaning his glucose, or blood sugar, has dropped too low. Low blood sugar also can cause headaches, blurred vision, seizures and loss of consciousness. Only your doctor can diagnose hypoglycemia through a blood test. Treatment depends on the exact cause of the hypoglycemia.
Diabetes Causes
In a child with diabetes, low blood sugar often occurs because of what's commonly referred to as an insulin reaction: The child takes too much insulin or takes the right amount, but waits too long to eat after the injection. If after taking insulin your child engages in physical activity and forgets to drink juice or have a snack to balance the effects of the exercise, she also might have a hypoglycemic episode. Taking a hot shower or bath after taking insulin also can cause the blood sugar to drop quickly.
Diabetes Care
If your child has diabetes and continues to have insulin reactions, your doctor might adjust the insulin dosage or you might have to ensure your child eats sooner after shots. Your child might need to check his glucose levels more often. A 2009 study published in "Diabetes Care" found that many children have difficulty recognizing the symptoms of low blood sugar. If this is the case for your child, you might consider a continuous blood glucose monitor that your child wears at all times, except when in the water. The monitor will beep to alert your child when her blood sugar begins to drop to a dangerous level.
Other Causes
If your child has tested negative for diabetes, a number of other factors can cause low blood sugar. Certain medications like quinine can lower the blood sugar. Some illnesses, including certain kidney disorders, some tumors and anorexia nervosa can cause low blood sugar. An endocrine disorder is a more common cause of low blood sugar in a child. If your child experiences low blood sugar after sleeping, he might have nocturnal hypoglycemia. If your child gets low blood sugar after exercise, he might have post-exercise hypoglycemia. Drugs and alcohol also can cause low blood sugar.
Treatment
The goal of any hypoglycemia treatment is to prevent low blood sugar attacks. With medication, your doctor can treat any underlying condition that causes low blood sugar, and through lifestyle changes, your child can better manage his glucose levels. Your child might have to eat several small meals throughout the day to keep her blood sugar levels stable. Your child also should keep sugary snacks on hand for emergencies. Good choices include oranges, candy bars and fruit juices. After the emergency snack, your child should eat a small, nutritious meal to stabilize her blood sugar.
