Blood Sugar Levels in Children

The glucose resulted from digestion of foods is absorbed in to the bloodstream for distribution to all body parts. In a healthy person, this source of energy is taken up by the body cells with the help of insulin hormone and is used. Thus, insulin is directly responsible for maintaining blood sugar levels. Previously, a diabetes condition characterized by high blood sugar is thought to be an adult's disease. However, high blood sugar levels in children are also diagnosed, but in a lower percentage as compared to adults.

Blood Sugar Levels in Children: An Overview

With the availability of easy-to-use testing devices, blood sugar test can be performed at home. Too low or too high concentration of glucose in the blood is associated with negative effects to the body. In children who have a risk for diabetes or who are already diagnosed with this condition, blood glucose test is recommended four times a day. The expected blood test timings are early morning (before breakfast), before lunch, before dinner and after dinner. Detailed information about blood sugar levels in children is discussed below:

Normal Blood Sugar Levels
So, what are normal blood sugar levels in children without diabetes? Well! The normal fasting blood sugar levels in children is in the range of 70-100 mg/dL (milligram of sugar in deciliter of blood plasma). For children under 6, targeted plasma blood glucose range is considered to be 100-180 mg/dL before meals, while bedtime reading is between110-200 mg/dL. For school going children with age 6-12 years, the normal blood sugar levels before meal is in the range of 90-180 mg/dL and bedtime reading is between100-180 mg/dL.

Low Blood Sugar Levels
Medically, the condition of low glucose levels in the bloodstream is called hypoglycemia. It is quite common in young children and a short episode is not dangerous. However, if the blood sugar reading is below 70 mg/dL consistently, it is a medical concern. Symptoms of low glucose levels in children are rapid heartbeats, hunger, sweating, dizziness, irritability and mood swings among other signs. Frequent bouts of hypoglycemia in children should not be neglected, as it can be an indication of metabolic disorder, endocrine problem, liver disease or genetic diseases.

High Blood Sugar Levels
If the blood glucose levels in children fall between 200-350 mg/dL consistently, then it is considered as a high reading. The notable diabetes symptoms in children are tiredness, increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, slow wound healing, blurred vision and body pain. As per statistical data, about 2 percent of people who are below 20 years have type 1 diabetes. Considering this, type 1 diabetes is also referred to as juvenile diabetes. Children who are born to diabetic parents or those who have a familial history for diabetes are at a higher risk of developing this medical condition than others.

Diagnosis of abnormal blood sugar levels in children is imperative for combating this condition without treatment medications. The first approach for treatment of hypoglycemia and diabetes in children is making dietary changes. Along with this, the doctor will suggest safe exercises, which will help in maintaining normal sugar concentration in the bloodstream. In case, there are no improvement signs, insulin and diabetes treatment medicine are recommended as per the condition of the child.

Monitoring blood sugar levels in children is a practical step towards effective treatment for hypoglycemia and also, hyperglycemia. Every responsible parent should make a point to examine their child's glucose concentration regularly, as directed by the concerned physician. Based on the readings, it is easy to determine whether diabetes medication and diet are effective for long-term control over diabetes or not.