Pediatric hypoglycemia is low blood sugar in children. Hypoglycemia is most commonly found in children with diabetes, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. However, hypoglycemia can occur from taking certain medications, hormonal imbalances, tumors and other diseases. Having a healthy, well-balanced diet can help manage pediatric hypoglycemia. Talk to your child's pediatrician for advice on diets for hypoglycemia.
Meal Timing
Children with hypoglycemia need to eat regularly. They should eat three meals per day along with several small snacks throughout the day. Getting your child on a regular meal plan can help prevent occurrences of low blood sugar. Snacking every two hours can help prevent symptoms associated with pediatric hypoglycemia including hunger, dizziness, confusion, weakness, anxiety, nervousness and sleepiness.
Well-Balanced Diet
A well-balanced diet for a child with hypoglycemia should include protein, fruits, vegetables and fiber. Protein from sources such as nuts can help prevent a child's blood sugar from dripping too low. Fruits and vegetables offer a wide variety of vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining the overall health of a child and regulating blood sugar. Fruits can also serve as a sweet treat for a child with hypoglycemia. Fiber from sources that include whole grain bread, vegetables and brown rice can help a child's body properly absorb and use sugar. Proper absorption and use of sugar can help stabilize a child's blood sugar levels causing less frequent signs of hypoglycemia.
Foods to Avoid
A child with pediatric hypoglycemia should avoid adding sugar to foods as well as consuming foods that are high in sugar content -- including sports drinks, sodas, cakes, cookies and candies. Adding sugar to the diet of child with pediatric hypoglycemia can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels followed by a drastic drop in sugar levels. This can be extremely dangerous in a child with hypoglycemia.
Emergency Foods
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse indicates a blood sugar level should not fall below 70 mg/dL. If this occurs, there are a number of quick-fix snacks that can cause blood sugar levels to stabilize. Provide your child with half a glass of fruit juice or regular soda. One cup of milk, five pieces of hard candy or 1 tbsp. of sugar can also help regulate blood sugar levels. However, check with your child's doctor on the appropriate dosing of emergency foods for your child. Dosages may vary based on your child's height and weight.
References
- National Diabete Information Clearinghouse; Hypoglycemia; Oct. 2008
- "Pediatric Endocrinology"; Sally Radovick and Margarget H. MacGillivray; November 9, 2010
