​Hypoglycemia

Glucose is very important for the normal functioning of our body organs, including our brain, even when we are sleeping. It is the main source of energy for the body. When the blood glucose level or blood sugar level drops from the normal level, which is between 70 to 140 mg/dl (milligrams of glucose per decilitre of blood) depending on the last consumed meal, the disorder is known as hypoglycemia. Infants and small children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes may have different blood sugar levels, which will depend on various factors, such as the child’s age, which your child’s doctor can tell you more about. In general, a slightly lower level of blood sugar does not cause hypoglycemia. However, if is a considerable drop, then symptoms of hypoglycemia may be exhibited.

Hypoglycemia is a common disorder in children diagnosed with diabetes. In such cases, this disorder may be triggered by:

• Consuming too much medication for controlling blood sugar levels

• A missed or delayed meal

• Giving the wrong type of insulin at the wrong time

• Strenuous exercising over a long time period

• Any emotional stress

• Diarrhoea or vomiting

• Any other disorder associated with type 1 diabetes, such as an adrenal problem or celiac disease

Hypoglycemia may also occur in children who do not have diabetes. It may occur only as a single incidence of hypoglycemia, caused by any illness that prevents your child from eating properly, such as stomach flu, or prolonged periods of fasting, or exercising vigorously over a long period without food.

In other cases, a child may experience repeated episodes of hypoglycemia, even if he/ she is not diabetic. This may occur because of a medication the child may be taking which affects his/ her blood sugar levels, or a disorder affecting metabolism that the child may be suffering from.