Diabetes In Children: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar: Why Is Low Blood Sugar A Problem

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Why is low blood sugar a problem?

If your child's blood sugar drops below 40 mg/dL, his or her brain may receive too little sugar to work properly, and judgment and muscle coordination will be affected. Your child may not recognize low blood sugar and may not be aware that he or she needs to eat. You or someone else may have to help your child eat or drink something to raise the blood sugar level.

If your child's blood sugar level continues to drop below 20 mg/dL, he or she can lose consciousness and possibly die.

A low blood sugar level may soon recur, even though it has been treated. For example, some sulfonylurea medicines can continue to lower blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours. If your child's blood sugar level drops to a low level, check it frequently for some time after the low level has been treated.

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Last updated:	July 28, 2008
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Stephen LaFranchi, MD - Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC