High Blood Sugar Levels in Children

There can be several identifiable causes of elevated blood sugar levels in children or adults. This condition gives rise to bouts of symptoms, which at times, may invite serious trouble. The condition of hyperglycemia demands immediate treatment, as it can give rise to critical complications. As you go further into reading this article, you will come across the important symptoms of hyperglycemia, and its causes too.

Characteristic Signs and Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

At an initial stage, the condition of high blood sugar levels can be regarded to be asymptomatic. This is because, until the glucose levels reach to a significantly high stage, there aren't any signs or symptoms. According to experts, when symptoms do occur, the glucose levels show a figure that is above 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Also, the development of the signs and the symptoms, take several days or weeks.

And when symptoms do occur, the early ones may include increased thirst, frequent trips to bathroom for urination, blurred vision, fatigue and headache. As the blood sugar levels keep on increasing, the condition continues to progress to a severe stage gradually. The symptoms which indicate that the condition has reached a critical stage include breath that smells like fruits, pain in the abdominal region, shortness of breath, weakness, and confusion. There also remains the risk of toxic ketones to build up in the blood or urine, nausea, vomiting, and even coma.

What Causes Hyperglycemia in Children?

The carbohydrates from food is broken down into various sugar molecules. And glucose happens to be one of these molecules. This glucose is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and enters the cells of the tissues with the help of what is known as the insulin. This hormone is secreted by the pancreas. So what happens in healthy people, when the level of glucose shoots up, the pancreas are triggered to release insulin. This insulin, in turn, causes the cells to unlock and absorb the glucose so as to provide the body with energy. Whatever glucose is left, is stored in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen. This is the process which helps to lower the increased glucose levels in the blood and prevent hyperglycemia.

This is not the story with those who suffer from diabetes. In diabetics, the effects of insulin is too low to carry out the above function, and this is the reason why, hyperglycemia sets in. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas do not produce enough insulin, and in type 2, the body becomes resistant to the effects of the same. This is why patients are given insulin shots or other drugs to take lower blood sugar levels.

So factors which trigger the increase of blood glucose levels in children or adults, include:

• Improper administration of insulin
• Lacking the use of insulin
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Lacking a proper diabetic diet plan
• Medical conditions
• Medications such as steroids
• Stress factors

Treatment Options

Diabetics are advised to inculcate a regular exercise schedule, follow the exact course of medication, having a dedicated high blood sugar diet, keeping a check on the blood sugar level and administering correct insulin usage.

The risk and effects of hyperglycemia in children or adults can be reduced by simply following a course that may help avoid the triggers mentioned above. For instance, following a proper diabetic diet, monitoring the blood sugar levels and taking the required medication as directed, etc.