Hypoglycemia facts for kids

Hypoglycemia is a health problem where your blood sugar (also called glucose) gets too low. Your body's cells need sugar to work properly and stay alive. When there isn't enough sugar in your blood, your body can't do its job normally. Normal blood sugar levels are usually between 70 and 100 milligrams per deciliter.

What Happens When Blood Sugar Is Low?

When your blood sugar drops too much, your body sends out warning signs. These are called symptoms. Common signs include feeling nausea (sick to your stomach) or very hungry. You might also start sweating a lot. Some people feel sad or anxious. Your heart might feel like it is pounding fast, which is called palpitations.

If blood sugar gets very low, a person might act confused. They could have trouble speaking clearly. They might also seem clumsy or unsteady. In very serious cases, low blood sugar can look like a stroke. This is why it is important to get help quickly.

Who Gets Low Blood Sugar?

Anyone can experience hypoglycemia, no matter their age. However, it is most common in people who have diabetes. It often happens as a complication of diabetes treatment. This can be from taking too much insulin. It can also happen if they take certain oral medications for diabetes.

How Is Low Blood Sugar Treated?

The main goal of treating hypoglycemia is to get blood sugar levels back to normal. If someone has mild low blood sugar, they can often fix it by eating. Foods that are high in sugar work quickly. Examples include fruit juice, candy, or glucose tablets.

In very serious cases, when blood sugar is dangerously low, a person might need more help. They might be given sugar water through a needle. This is called intravenously (into a vein). This method helps sugar get into the bloodstream very fast.

Why Is Low Blood Sugar Serious?

Your brain and other body parts need sugar to work. Without enough sugar, they cannot function correctly. Because of this, very low blood sugar can cause serious health problems. These can include seizures. If not treated quickly, severe hypoglycemia can even be life-threatening.

Images for kids

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  A glucagon kit used to treat severe hypoglycemia.

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  An insulin pump used to deliver appropriate levels of insulin.

See also

In Spanish: Hipoglucemia para niños