By:
Brooke Redmond, MD, CHSE, FAAP
All of the cells in our body depend upon sugar in our blood (primarily glucose) as the main source of energy. This sugar comes from the foods that we eat. Certain organs in our body also make and store sugar.
The body functions best when it is in balance with the correct amount of glucose in the blood, a condition called euglycemia. In this state, the body has just the right amount of sugar in the blood available for fuel. Having too much or too little blood sugar can be harmful for the body, so it's important to know what to do if it happens. Read on to learn more.
How the body regulates blood sugar levels
When all of the systems in the body are working together properly, the amount of sugar in the blood is regulated automatically. There are organs and processes in the body that help lower blood sugar, and others that can help raise the glucose level.
When there is too much sugar in the blood, the body makes
insulin. Insulin allows the body to use sugar for energy and lowers blood sugar. When blood sugar levels are too low, the body cuts back on the amount of insulin that it is making and lets the blood sugar levels rise. It can also signal the body to release sugar into the blood by making stored energy sources available.
What is hypoglycemia?
When blood sugar levels in the body are lower than normal, a child experiences hypoglycemia and may not feel well.
Signs of hypoglycemia in a healthy child can be mild, like irritability. In a child with
diabetes, hypoglycemia can lead to serious signs and symptoms if not treated quickly. For example, they may experience loss of responsiveness and even
pass out.
Not eating or drinking enough regularly or at a specific time, or getting too much insulin can cause a child with diabetes to become hypoglycemic. Exercise,
overheating, and illness can all cause significant changes in blood sugar; children with diabetes need to be monitored closely to make sure their blood glucose does not go low.
What is hyperglycemia?
When there is too much sugar in the blood, this is called hyperglycemia. When a child with diabetes has hyperglycemia, it is important to take steps to bring the blood sugar down into a normal range. The body likely needs more insulin. The child may also need more water.
Hyperglycemia can be caused by illness,
stress or having too little insulin. A child with diabetes can also have high blood sugar if the body processes their food before they have enough insulin in their body. If there is not enough insulin, the body cannot use sugar—even though there is a lot of it. The body may make other fuel sources, like ketones, which can be an additional danger related to hyperglycemia.
Sometimes eating or drinking a lot, or consuming foods with different kinds of nutrients, can cause the blood sugar to go high and stay high. Because the body does not need as much insulin during exercise or periods of high activity, sometimes blood sugar can go too high if a child is less active than usual.
Signs hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
What to do in a blood sugar emergency
If you are not sure if the child has hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia,
give sugar. Simple sugars, such as juice, gummy candy or gel, are best because the body can use them quickly. See if the symptoms improve. Always
call 911 if symptoms are severe or if the child becomes unresponsive.
More information
About Dr. Redmond
 Brooke Redmond, MD, CHSE, FAAP, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Yale School of Medicine and an attending neonatal critical care physician at the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. She is the creator and director of the 24/7 BABY program, an innovative partnership between Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and Emergency Medical Services. Dr. Redmond serves as a steering committee member for the AAP Pediatric First Aid and Safety Committee.
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