Hypoglycemia is a medical condition caused by abnormally low blood sugar levels within the body. Typically, the symptoms associated with hypoglycemia in children can be managed through diet and physical activity. The signs of hypoglycemia in children can be diverse and require immediate attention to avoid further medical complications.
Hunger
A healthy child requires a certain level of sugar within the blood to sustain the normal energy demands of the body. If your child has hypoglycemia, these blood sugar levels are too low, which signals the body to seek out food. A child with hypoglycemia might frequently complain of hunger, even after eating a healthy meal. His stomach could growl or he might ask for several snacks throughout the day.
Dizziness
Low blood sugar in hypoglycemic children can cause dizziness or lightheadedness to develop. Your child may appear unsteady when she walks. She might tell you that she has trouble seeing or that she has blurred or double vision. These signs of hypoglycemia might also contribute to additional symptoms, such as headache, increased heart rate or fatigue. In certain cases, hypoglycemic children could faint or lose consciousness as a result of this condition.
Fatigue
A child with hypoglycemia can appear abnormally tired or fatigued throughout the day. Without adequate levels of sugar within the blood, your child's body does not have the energy it needs to sustain him. He could have difficulty waking up in the morning and appear tired, confused or irritable. Certain children with hypoglycemia might require frequent naps or an earlier bedtime.
Sweating
Excessive sweating, especially while sleeping, is a common sign of hypoglycemia in children. Your child's bed sheets or pajamas may feel damp in the morning due to night sweats, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse explains.
Tremors
If your child exhibits frequent tremors, seizures or convulsions, she could have hypoglycemia. Uncontrollable shakiness can be caused by low blood sugar and can contribute to additional symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue or difficulty walking.
Pale Skin
A child with hypoglycemia can appear to have abnormally pale or gray skin. She may frequently look ill or tired as a result of this condition.
Confusion
Inadequate blood sugar can influence the way in which signals are passed back and forth to the brain. If your child has hypoglycemia, he might frequently display abnormally confused, cranky or irritable behavior. He might also have difficulty concentrating at school or while doing his homework.
