Hypoglycemic Reaction (Child)

Blood sugar (also called glucose) is used as energy by the body. Sometimes, blood sugar drops too low (hypoglycemia). This causes a hypoglycemic reaction. Signs of a hypoglycemic reaction may include:

• Being grouchy, jittery, or nervous.
• Confusion.
• Feeling very hungry or weak.
• Sweating.
• Anger or personality changes.
• Having nightmares.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Feeling dizzy or sleepy.
• Changes in vision.
• In severe cases, having a seizure or fainting (lose consciousness).

Hypoglycemia may occur in healthy children who have not eaten for a while. Or it may occur if they have had persistent vomiting or diarrhea. Some children are more likely to have hypoglycemic reactions. These include children with a metabolic or digestive problem, a hormone deficiency, or diabetes. Taking diabetes medicine or alcohol by accident may also cause low blood sugar. Chemicals called salicylates can also cause hypoglycemia. They are found in many foods and medicines, such as aspirin.

Hypoglycemia is diagnosed in children by testing blood. Low blood sugar must be raised to prevent a serious problem. If your child's glucose can't be raised with oral sugar, then your child may be given an I.V. (intravenous) sugar solution. Or they may get a shot (injection) of glucagon. This is a medicine that helps raise blood sugar levels. Your child's blood may be tested again after they skip one or two meals. This is called a fasting test. If your child still has hypoglycemia, the doctor will test for other causes.

If your child has diabetes, the doctor will prescribe medicine to control blood glucose levels. Follow instructions for giving this medicine.

• Be aware of your child's signs of hunger and low blood sugar. Hypoglycemic reactions most often occur before meals.
• Be sure that your child has small, frequent meals. If your child is not eating well, talk with their doctor.
• If your child has diabetes, limit hard physical activity until the diabetes is under control.
• If the doctor instructed you to check your child's blood sugar, do so as directed.

Keep a source of fast-acting sugar with you in case symptoms of low blood sugar return. At the first sign of low blood sugar, give your child 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting sugar. This can be a pill, food, or drink. Products with glucose include:

• 3 to 4 glucose tablets (sold at most pharmacies).
• 4 ounces of fruit juice.
• 2 tablespoons of raisins.
• 1 tablespoon of honey (if your child is at least 1 year old).

Follow up with your child's doctor as advised. If lab tests were done, contact the doctor for results as instructed.

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child is having a seizure.
• Your child is not able to wake up.
• Your child is not aware enough to eat or drink safely.

Contact your doctor now or seek immedicate medical care if:

• Your child has returning signs of low blood sugar (see above).