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What Is a Kid's Blood-Sugar Range?

Blood sugar or glucose is the natural sugar in the bloodstream that supplies the cells with energy. These sugars can come directly from food, or they can be produced by the liver. Type 1 diabetes happens when the body doesn't produce insulin. Children with type 1 diabetes must try to maintain a healthy blood-sugar level. Pricking a finger to monitor blood sugar is the best way to know if a child is in the healthy range.

  1. The Facts

    • A child's true blood-sugar range depends on individual needs. This range may also change as they grow. A guideline has been provided, however, by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for informational purposes. It states the normal blood-sugar range for a child should be between 75 and 165 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). If the blood-sugar reading is less than 75, a child may be sluggish, weak, tired or shaky. If the reading is greater than 165, a child may be irritable, faint, thirsty or may have to urinate more frequently.

    Significance

    • Knowing, recording and understanding a child's blood-sugar level is important because maintaining a constant level is essential to good health. Children with type 1 diabetes must take insulin to keep their sugar levels from getting too high. This can be necessary four to five times throughout the day, depending on sugar intake. In addition, because glucose tends to stick to red-blood cells, blood tests may also be needed every three weeks to track how high levels are, so adjustments in medication can be made if needed.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Along with insulin injections, kids can maintain good sugar levels in other ways. Because carbohydrates are converted to sugar easier than other foods, eating a healthy diet low in carbohydrates is a primary step. Physical activity is also important to good sugar levels. Moving muscles not only uses glucose for energy, but stimulates a chemical reaction that makes cells more sensitive to insulin.

    Considerations

    • Diabetic children, with proper preparation, can still lead almost normal lives. To do this, families of children with diabetes should stay supplied with insulin, needles and other necessary items. Also make sure the school has an emergency kit with medication and directions. Pre-planning for school treats and parties can alleviate hurt feelings. Wearing an ID bracelet or necklace alerts any medical personal in case of a crisis.

    Warning

    • The majority of information in this article is relevant to type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes happens when the body produces insulin, but the cells don't move the sugars out of the bloodstream. Type 2 is slow in its onset and is generally diagnosed in adults. Complications from both types of diabetes can cause heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease and blindness. As with any medical condition, it is extremely important to consult a medical professional if you have any suspicion of diabetes in a child.

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