Hypoglycaemia in the child
General
The above-described unconsciousness occurs in the children (child emergency) only in the case of very severe hypoglycaemia. In most cases, a decrease in blood sugar became noticeable in the form of dizziness, cold sweats, difficulty concentrating, headaches, restlessness, tremors and disorientation. The important thing here is the quick blood sugar test, which can be made from a drop of blood on the finger within a few seconds. If the sugar level in the blood is less than 2.5 mmol, one speaks of hypoglycaemia.
Causes of hypoglycaemia in children who do not have diabetes
The causes of hypoglycaemia in children that are not caused by diabetes can be very different.
In many cases, other hormonal imbalances can cause hypoglycaemia. These include, for example, an underactive adrenal cortex. This is where the hormones cortisol and adrenaline are formed, which help the child's body to counteract hypoglycaemia. In the event of a defect, damage or a congenital dysfunction, this effect does not occur. Since the adrenal cortex does not work independently but is under the influence of the pituitary gland, if it is damaged, hypoglycaemia can also occur.
In addition, in some cases small, benign tumors of the pancreas, so-called insulinomas, are responsible. They produce more insulin, release it and thereby lower the blood sugar level.
Another hormone called glucagon is made in the liver or muscles and can also provide glucose. However, a congenital glucagon deficiency or that occurs as part of another disease is rarely the sole cause of hypoglycaemia.
Other causes include severe liver dysfunction associated with changes in glucagon metabolism, diseases in which the storage of glucose is impaired (glycogenosis), impaired food intake, extreme fasting or dieting, as well as the use of certain medications.
Read more on the topic: Causes of hypoglycaemia
Causes of hypoglycaemia in diabetes
Hypoglycemia is a very common problem in children with some form of diabetes.
In children suffering from diabetes, the problem is actually a permanently high blood sugar level, as the insulin produced by the body either cannot work properly or is not produced in sufficient quantities.
In children with type 2 diabetes only just beginning to become noticeable, insulin production is initially significantly increased at the beginning of the disease. This is a countermeasure initiated by the child's body to compensate for the weakened effect of the insulin. As a result, after eating too much of the sugar is transported into the cells and the blood sugar level drops below the normal value.
The most common cause of hypoglycaemia in known diabetes, however, is an incorrect dosage of drug therapy. Patients who inject insulin must adjust the dose to the amount of carbohydrates consumed and to the physical activity. If the amount of carbohydrates in the food is overestimated and too much insulin is injected, hypoglycaemia can quickly occur.
With a lot of sport or exceptionally high physical activity, there is a reactive drop in blood sugar levels and thus a reduction in the necessary insulin. If the insulin is injected too early before eating or if gastric emptying is delayed due to an excessively high protein or fat content, the blood sugar level will also drop before any new glucose could be absorbed.
Read more on the topic: Diabetes in Children
Tremors as a symptom of hypoglycaemia
A tremor of various muscle parts of the child's body, in combination with acute cravings, nausea, vomiting or the sudden onset of sweating, is often observed.
Since sugar is an important supplier of energy for the body and also for the child's brain, when the blood sugar level drops, it immediately demands the supply of glucose so that it can work properly. In the case of acute hypoglycaemia, the child's brain releases certain messenger substances that cause the symptoms mentioned above and thus represent a warning sign for the body. The tremor therefore serves as a very important indicator from the body that too little sugar is available and that it must be released from the remaining reserves as quickly as possible or that it needs to be replenished in the form of carbohydrates.
Read more on the topic: Symptoms of hypoglycaemia
Blood sugar levels
Hypoglycaemia in children can be life-threatening and should therefore be recognized and treated quickly. Acute hypoglycaemia refers to a drop in blood glucose levels below normal. Hypoglycaemia that requires treatment is referred to as glucose values below 45 mg / dl. This corresponds to less than 2.5 mmol / l.
therapy
In this case the child should be given an infusion glucose Administer over a short period of time. The symptoms in this case quickly resolve. In the case of more harmless processes, such as tremors or cold sweat, a glass of cola or a piece of chocolate is often enough. In the case of repeated hypoglycaemia, however, you should always have a doctor conduct a metabolic examination to clarify the cause.
Consequences of hypoglycaemia
In most cases, new hypoglycaemia is noticed and targeted treatment. Especially nocturnal hypoglycaemia that goes unnoticed or is not treated in time can in the worst case be fatal for the child concerned.
In addition, with frequent hypoglycaemia, there is an increased risk of developing damage to the child's heart. In addition, various studies have shown that after recurring events the risk of damage to the child's brain, along with the risk of developing dementia, increases significantly.
