It's so overwhelming to learn that your little one has Diabetes Mellitus. On one hand, you feel sad for your child, and on the other, you have a thousand questions about what will happen in the future and how to manage these things. In particular, it's normal to feel worried about your child's blood sugar level. But don't worry, you're not alone in this journey. Let's talk about this simply.
Why do young children's sugar levels go so high and low?
The first thing to understand is that the blood sugar levels of young children, especially babies under a few years old, are like a roller coaster. Sometimes they're just right, sometimes they're very high, and sometimes they're very low. This is true. No one expects you to keep it perfectly level all the time. You can't do that.
Your goal should be to help your child's body control what it can't do on its own right now, which is to help it control its blood sugar levels. Not to do it 'perfectly', but to 'manage' it. Checking your blood sugar levels several times a day will help you do what you need to do at that time.
Remember, don't label the numbers on the glucometer as "good" or "bad." They're not like test scores. They're just signals that give us information. We use that information to take steps to keep our child healthy and happy throughout the day.
What are the main reasons for changes in sugar levels?
You may be thinking, "Oh, no matter what I do, his sugar levels keep going up and down." There are several reasons for this. Once you understand these things, you'll be less worried about changes in your sugar levels.
| Reason | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Food | What a child eats, especially carbohydrates like rice, bread, potatoes, and fruits, directly affects their blood sugar levels. The amount, timing, and type of food are also important. Sometimes, even a sneaky piece of chocolate can greatly increase their blood sugar levels. |
| Exercise and play | When a child runs and plays, the body uses sugar to fuel its muscles. This can cause low blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is important to check blood sugar levels before and after playing. |
| Body growth | Young children grow up quickly. During these growth spurts, the body's hormonal changes cause insulin needs to change. This can also cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate. |
| Diseases | Even a minor cold or fever can cause a child's blood sugar levels to rise significantly. This is due to the hormones produced when the body is fighting an infection. During times like these, you need to check your blood sugar levels frequently. |
| Stress and emotions | Just like us, children are also affected by stress. It could be because of an exam, or it could be because of a fight with a friend. Not only that, but the excitement of a very happy occasion, like a birthday party, can also cause blood sugar levels to rise. |
| Medication (insulin) | Insulin is the main medication. The amount, timing, and type of insulin given directly affect blood sugar levels. Sometimes your doctor will change these doses. It is essential to follow those instructions exactly. |
Why is it so important to regularly check your blood sugar levels?
Imagine that your little baby can't talk yet. If he feels dizzy and has low blood sugar, he won't know how to say, "Mommy, I'm sick." He might just cry, or he might be more sleepy than usual. Even as a little older, he might not be able to describe exactly how he's feeling.
That's why getting tested regularly is lifesaving.
- You can know before symptoms appear: You can take action when you see the reading on your glucometer before your sugar levels become dangerously high or low.
- Helping you understand the reason: "Oh, he's low on sugar because he played in the park," or "He's high on sugar because he ate a piece of cake."
- It's easier for the doctor to make decisions: When you look at the sugar levels (log book) you write down throughout the day, it helps the doctor make the right decisions about things like your child's insulin dosage and meal plan.
What is Target Range?
Your doctor will give you a target range for your child's blood sugar levels. For example, they may tell you to keep your blood sugar between these numbers before meals and between these numbers after meals.
This target range is not the same for every child. It varies depending on the child's age, activity level, and other factors. As the child grows, the doctor will adjust these target ranges. Never substitute sugar level targets from the Internet or someone else for your child. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
How to recognize an emergency?
Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can be dangerous. It is important to be aware of these symptoms.
| Status | Characteristics of young children | What to do? |
|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) | Trembling, sweating, paleness, irritability, excessive hunger, confusion, excessive sleepiness. In a small baby, crying in vain, refusing to drink milk. | Give your child something to quickly increase their blood sugar (glucose tablets, a spoonful of sugar, some fruit juice) as directed by your doctor. If your child becomes unconscious or has difficulty swallowing, take them to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. |
| High blood sugar levels (Hyperglycemia) | Excessive water drinking, frequent urination (possibly bedwetting), extreme fatigue, blurred vision, stomach ache, nausea. | Make sure you drink plenty of water. Follow the sick day plan given by your doctor. If your blood sugar levels continue to be very high, call your doctor immediately. |
The doctor who treats your child is your best friend on this journey. You, your child, and the doctor need to work as a team. Ask questions, talk about your fears, and don't hide anything. Only then will you be able to successfully face this challenge.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal for young children to have high and low blood sugar levels. Don't feel guilty about it.
- Your goal is not 'perfection', but 'management' of the child's condition.
- The numbers on the glucometer are not "good" or "bad" things, they are just information to guide you.
- Since a child cannot express what they are feeling in words, it is essential to check their sugar levels regularly.
- Understand that food, exercise, illness, and even emotions can affect blood sugar levels.
- Stay in regular contact with your doctor. Don't be afraid to ask any questions. You are not alone in this battle.
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