When teaching a client with diabetes about monitoring for episodes of hypoglycemia
Show
Hypoglycemia in ChildrenWhat is hypoglycemia in children?Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and the body. The normal range of blood glucose is about 70 to 140 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The amount differs based on the most recent meal and other things, including medicines taken. Babies and small children with type 1 diabetes will have different goal ranges of blood glucose levels than older children. What causes hypoglycemia in a child?Hypoglycemia can be a condition by itself. Or it can be a complication of diabetes or other disorder. It’s most often a problem in someone with diabetes. It occurs when there’s too much insulin. This is also called an insulin reaction. Causes in children with diabetes may include:
Hypoglycemia may also occur in these cases:
Which children are at risk for hypoglycemia?The biggest risk factor is having type 1 diabetes. What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia in a child?Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:
The symptoms of hypoglycemia can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is hypoglycemia diagnosed in a child?The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she may also ask about your family’s health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. Your child may also have blood tests to check blood sugar levels. When a child with diabetes has symptoms of hypoglycemia, the cause is most often an insulin reaction. For children with symptoms of hypoglycemia who don’t have diabetes, the healthcare provider may:
Your child may need to do a supervised fasting study in the hospital. This lets healthcare providers test for hypoglycemia safely. How is hypoglycemia treated in a child?Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. For children with diabetes, the goal of treatment is to maintain a safe blood glucose level. This is done by:
To treat low blood glucose quickly, your child should eat or drink something with sugar such as:
Don't use carbohydrate foods high in protein such as milk or nuts. They may increase the insulin response to dietary carbohydrates. Blood glucose levels should be checked every 15 to 20 minutes until they are above 100 dg/dL. If hypoglycemia is severe, your child may need a glucagon injection. Talk with your child’s healthcare team about this treatment. What are possible complications of hypoglycemia in a child?The brain needs blood glucose to function. Not enough glucose can impair the brain's ability to function. Severe or long-lasting hypoglycemia may cause seizures and serious brain injury. What can I do to prevent hypoglycemia in my child?Not all episodes of hypoglycemia can be prevented. Most children with type 1 diabetes will have hypoglycemia. The chances of severe hypoglycemia go down as your child gets older. But you can help prevent severe episodes by:
Other ways to minimize or prevent hypoglycemia include making sure your child:
How can I help my child live with hypoglycemia?Children with type 1 diabetes or other conditions that may cause hypoglycemia need to follow their care plan. It’s important to test blood glucose often, recognize symptoms, and treat the condition quickly. It's also important to take medicines and eat meals on a regular schedule. Work with your child's healthcare provider to create a plan that fits your child's schedule and activities. Teach your child about diabetes. Encourage them to write down questions they have about diabetes and bring them to healthcare provider appointments. Give them time to ask the provider the questions. Check that the answers are given in a way your child can understand. Work closely with school nurses, teachers, and psychologists to develop a plan that's right for your child. When should I call my child's healthcare provider?Call your child’s healthcare provider if your child:
Key points about hypoglycemia in children
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
When teaching a client with diabetes about monitoring for episodes of hypoglycemia which symptom would the nurse include in the teaching plan?Hypoglycemia is a condition occurring in diabetic patients with a blood glucose of less than 4 mmol/L.. Cold, clammy skin.. Weakness, faintness, tremors.. Headache, irritability, dullness.. Hunger, nausea.. Tachycardia, palpitations.. How often should you monitor blood sugar when treating hypoglycemia?Recheck blood sugar levels 15 minutes after treatment.
If blood sugar levels are still under 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L ), eat or drink another 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate, and recheck your blood sugar level again in 15 minutes. Repeat these steps until the blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L ).
Which symptoms would the nurse include when teaching a client to recognize symptoms of hypoglycemia?Initial signs and symptoms of diabetic hypoglycemia include:. Looking pale (pallor). Shakiness.. Dizziness or lightheadedness.. Sweating.. Hunger or nausea.. An irregular or fast heartbeat.. Difficulty concentrating.. Feeling weak and having no energy (fatigue). When should hypoglycemia patients be alerted?For many people, a fasting blood sugar of 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 3.9 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), or below should serve as an alert for hypoglycemia.
|