Glucose in the bloodstream is the main source of energy for your body. Carbohydrates provide the glucose, while the pancreas provides the hormone insulin that helps your cells and organs to utilize the glucose. While the standard range for blood glucose in adults is 70 to 130 mg/dL, the optimal range varies in children depending on age.
5 Years and Younger
From birth to age 5, children experience very rapid growth and brain development, which requires additional blood glucose. Optimal levels for this age group runs between 100 and 200 mg/dL. If you child's blood glucose level is less than 150 mg/dL at bedtime, give him a healthy snack that contains some complex carbohydrates. Children in this age group tend to have erratic eating and sleeping patterns, are very energetic and may not be able to verbalize the feelings of low blood glucose, so levels at these higher ranges help to keep hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, at bay.
Ages 5 to 11
The blood glucose level range for ages 5 to 11 begins to narrow, with an optimal range of between 70 and 180 mg/dL before meals, and above 120 mg/dL before bedtime. At these ages, the children begin to spend more time away from their parents and make their own food choices, which can lead to swings in blood glucose levels. They also tend to attend more events where junk food is present, such as birthday parties, so make sure they participate in regular exercise to help keep their blood glucose levels in normal range.
12 Years and Older
Once children reach age 12, the normal blood glucose levels are fairly close to the adult range. Expect their blood glucose levels to range from 70 to 150 mg/dL before meals, and make sure it is at least 100 mg/dL before bedtime. From ages 12 to 14, growth spurts are common, and you may see greater swings in their blood glucose levels. Hormonal changes during puberty may also cause variations in levels.
Hypoglycemia
Sporadic bouts of hypoglycemia are not uncommon in growing children. Causes include prolonged strenuous exercise, some medications, not eating enough carbohydrates or, particularly in teenagers, excessive alcohol consumption. The brain relies on blood glucose as its food, so prolonged periods of hypoglycemia pose problems in children whose brains are still developing. Treat minor episodes of hypoglycemia with a glass of orange juice or a sweetened soft drink, followed by a healthy snack. If your child has persistent hypoglycemia, he may suffer from a rare disease that usually presents in infants and young children called congenital hyperinsulinism. Take your child to a pediatric endocrinologist who can diagnose and treat the disease.
Hyperglycemia
Persistent bouts of hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can be an indicator of prediabetes or diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, where the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, normally presents during childhood or adolescence. If your child is obese, follows an unhealthy diet or does not participate in regular physical exercise, she can develop type 2 diabetes. While there is no cure for diabetes, it is treatable with the proper medical supervision.
