Hypoglycemia is a medical condition that occurs when blood glucose levels drop too low. Although the problem is often associated with diabetes, children who are not diabetics can sometimes have low blood sugar. Despite hypoglycemia having several different possible causes, the goal of treatment is to raise blood glucose levels.
Glucose
Glucose is a simple sugar that is absorbed into the bloodstream where it is then carried to the cells throughout the body for use as energy. The pancreas plays a role in glucose metabolism by producing insulin to help regulate glucose in the blood. Any extra glucose the body takes in is stored in the liver as glycogen for later use. If a person's blood glucose level begins to fall, a hormone called glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen to release more glucose into the bloodstream. However, in some children, this process is impaired.
Diet
One way to raise your child's blood glucose level is to feed him food that contains carbohydrates -- the primary dietary source of glucose. You may have to feed your child often to keep his blood sugar from dropping too low. Your child may have to eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day. Feed your child about every three hours. Meals should include high-protein, high-carbohydrate foods. Your child's doctor may recommend eating foods high in fiber and not eating foods high in sugar content on an empty stomach. A registered dietitian can help you plan healthy meals, as your child should eat a variety of foods to get the nutrients he needs to grow and develop.
Low Blood Sugar Attack
Check your child's blood glucose level if she shows signs of low blood glucose. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include hunger, shakiness, sweating, sleepiness, confusion, dizziness and weakness. If her blood glucose is below 70 mg/dL, give her ½ cup of fruit juice or regular soda, or 1 cup of milk to drink. You can also feed her 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Hard candy is another food that will raise her blood glucose level quickly. Depending on your child's age, she may need lesser amounts of these quick-fix foods. Wait 15 minutes and then recheck your child's blood glucose. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, you should keep giving your child quick-fix foods until her blood glucose level is 70 mg/dL or above. Feed her a snack once her glucose level returns to normal.
Causes
Although hypoglycemia is not common in children older than 10 years who are not taking diabetes medication, other factors can cause the condition. Sometimes, a child develops intolerance to fasting following an illness that disrupts his normal eating patterns. Producing too much insulin is a temporary condition that newborns of diabetic mothers can develop. Hormonal deficiencies and enzyme deficiencies that interfere with a child's ability to process natural sugars are other causes of hypoglycemia in children. When low blood sugar is related to diabetes, keep quick-fix foods within easy reach wherever your child spends time so that you can treat the problem immediately.
