What Is Normal Blood Sugar For A Child

What Should I Do After I Check My Blood Glucose

Write the blood glucose number in a log book or on a log sheet , and:

• Include all of your blood glucose numbers.
• Write a comment if there is a reason the blood glucose is above or below target.

• Take your blood glucose meter with you when you are away from home.
• Know your blood glucose numbers when you call the clinic or the doctor.
• Bring your blood glucose meter and blood glucose records to all your appointments.
• Bring a list of any questions that you may have.

Routine Appointments And Ongoing Diabetes Education

The American Diabetes Association recommends four clinic visits annually with a diabetes team as well as some standard tests for associated conditions and complications on an annual basis.

Your healthcare team should also support you by providing a social worker or case manager to help maintain adequate health insurance and financial resources that make keeping up with healthy diabetes care financially possible, Pollock adds.

Managing Your Familys Diabetes Attitude And Mental Health

Living with type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 job that neither you nor your child will ever do perfectly. Its important to keep that in mind!

Many people living with it describe type 1 diabetes as a juggling act, and the balls youre juggling constantly change. Maintaining a science project attitude can help tremendously in preventing guilt and burnout. Every high blood sugar is simply a learning opportunity, and every low blood sugar needs to be treated and then life goes on!

Know that children with type 1 diabetes can live long, healthy, full lives!

Some excellent resources and networking opportunities for families of T1D kids can be found here:

Recommended Reading: Can Diabetics Eat Macaroni And Cheese

Normal Blood Sugar Levels In Children

Younger than 6 years old mg/dL

Adults who are 20 years or older will have blood sugar levels that range between less than 100-180 mg/dL over the course of a day. When you wake up in the morning, your fasting blood sugar should be at its lowest because you havent consumed food for about eight hours. If youre an adult and struggling with glucose control, your healthcare provider can help you develop a treatment plan to manage your blood sugar better.

Blood glucose levels outside the ranges listed above are categorized as either high or low blood sugar. Blood sugar levels are considered high if theyre over 130 mg/dL before a meal or 180 mg/dL within one to two hours after a meal. Many people wont start to experience symptoms from high blood sugar until their levels are at 250 mg/dL or higher. The highest blood sugar level thats considered safe will depend on the person and whether they have diabetes, but will typically be between 160 to 240 mg/dL.

Recommended Target Blood Glucose Level Ranges

The NICE recommended target blood glucose levels are stated below for adults with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and children with type 1 diabetes.

In addition, the International Diabetes Federations target ranges for people without diabetes is stated.

The table provides general guidance. An individual target set by your healthcare team is the one you should aim for.

*The non-diabetic figures are provided for information but are not part of NICE guidelines.

You May Like: Red Wine Glycemic Index

Normal Blood Sugar For Kids

The body gets most of its glucose by metabolizing the carbohydrates in food. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps move glucose out of the blood and into the cells, where it is used for energy, according to Kaiser Permanente. Through this process, insulin also lowers blood sugar. For people with diabetes, insulin function is impaired, leading to high blood sugar.

Glucose levels vary in both children and adults, depending on how long it has been since the last meal, drink or snack. According to Yale School of Medicine, a normal blood sugar for a child without diabetes should fall within the following ranges:

• Before breakfast : 70 to 120 mg/dL
• One to two hours after meals: Less than 140 mg/dL
• Before meals and at bedtime: 70 to 120 mg/dL

Blood glucose levels can be checked during your child’s regular doctor appointment. If blood sugar levels are elevated, the doctor may order additional blood and/or urine tests to determine whether your child has diabetes.

Why Blood Glucose Levels Rise In Diabetes

The food we eat is converted to glucose and released into the bloodstream. Therefore, blood glucose levels are high after eating. As does the glucose generates, the body signals the pancreas to release insulin.

Insulin helps in the absorption of blood glucose by the body cells. As a result, the glucose from the blood is absorbed, and its level in the blood becomes normal again. Thus, together insulin and cell absorption helps in regulating blood glucose levels.

But in the case of diabetes, the body becomes insulin resistant, or there is insulin deficiency. Due to which the cell absorption of the blood glucose decreases. As a result, high blood glucose levels cause Diabetes. Over time, such high blood glucose levels can cause damage to nerves, kidneys, eyes, and heart.

Therefore if you have diabetes, it is essential to keep your blood glucose levels to some typical acceptable values. To help you understand blood glucose levels, a blood sugar level chart is the best option.

Summary

Blood glucose levels, if high, cause diabetes. Blood sugar level charts can help in regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.

Also Check: Blood Glucose Levels In A Type 1 Diabetic Can Be Affected By

Blood Sugar Levels In Children: An Overview

With the availability of easy-to-use testing devices, blood sugar test can be performed at home. Too low or too high concentration of glucose in the blood is associated with negative effects to the body. In children who have a risk for diabetes or who are already diagnosed with this condition, blood glucose test is recommended four times a day. The expected blood test timings are early morning , before lunch, before dinner and after dinner. Detailed information about blood sugar levels in children is discussed below:

Treat High Blood Sugar Early

The best way to prevent high blood sugar emergencies is to treat high blood sugar as soon as your child has symptoms or when his or her blood sugar is well above the target range .

• Follow the steps for dealing with high blood sugar. Post the steps in a handy place at home. Make sure other people know what to do if your child is unable to treat high blood sugar.
• Keep a record. Write down your child’s symptoms and how you treated them. And take the record with you when you see your child’s doctor. Use a blood sugar record .
• Let your child’s doctor know if your child is having high blood sugar problems. The medicine for diabetes may need to be adjusted or changed. If your child takes insulin, the dose may need to be increased.

Read Also: How Many Points Does Metformin Lower Blood Sugar

The Tragedy Of A Missed Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

Sadly, every year there seem to be one or two deaths in the news of a child who presented with signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes but was sent home to rest with a supposed bout of the flu.

Testing for type 1 diabetes is easy, but if it isnt tested for, it can result in a preventable tragedy!

Read more about campaigns to promote screening all babies, toddlers, and children for type 1 diabetes, many of them borne out of calamity:

What Is Hypoglycemia And Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia is the state of having a blood glucose level that is too low to effectively fuel the body’s cells.

Glucose, which comes from carbohydrates found in foods, is a main source of energy for all of the cells of the body and, especially, the brain. While the body is quite good at extracting glucose from the foods we eat, it relies on a hormone called insulin to actually get the glucose inside the cells of specific organs: the liver, fat, and muscle.

We can think of insulin as holding the key to a cell without insulin, the glucose just remains in the blood, where its also known as blood sugar. During an episode of hypoglycemia, theres not enough glucose in the blood. The normal range is approximately 70 to 150 mg/dl .

Hypoglycemia is most common in newborns. In older children, its most often seen as a complication of insulin therapy for diabetes but can sometimes have other causes as well.

In the majority of cases, hypoglycemia is temporary, easily treated, and usually does not have serious consequences. There are several rare disorders in which hypoglycemia is recurrent and potentially life-threatening. However, with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, these can be effectively managed.

You May Like: Diabetic Diet Oatmeal

What Is Hemoglobin A1c

Hemoglobin A1C is a lab test. It indicates an average blood glucose reading for the last 90 days. It is done when you find out you have diabetes, and every 3 months after that at clinic visits. A person without diabetes has a Hemoglobin A1C of less than 5.6%.

The chart below shows the Hemoglobin A1C result compared with the blood glucose number.

What To Read Next

Take your diabetes medication: All the medication tips you need to stop diarrhea and make injecting easier.

Meal plans: Whether youre looking for a budget meal plan, low carb meal plan, vegetarian or easy cooking we have them all here, for free!

Managing Type 2 diabetes: All you need to know to manage your condition, with terrific food and exercise tips.

Read Also: How Many Points Does Metformin Lower Blood Sugar

What Is Normal Blood Sugar For Seniors

Normal ranges of blood sugar levels are between 70 and 130 mg/dL before eating meals. The American Diabetes Association recommends seniors have blood glucose levels of less than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they dont all need the same type of at-home care.

What Is Considered Normal Blood Sugar Levels

You can measure blood sugar levels with an at-home finger-prick test that gives you an instant reading of the mmol’s of sugar per liter of your blood. Generally, depending on the time of day and when you last ate, this can vary between 5.0-10mmol/L.

But what is a normal blood sugar level in Canada? Here is a handy blood sugar level chart based on the guidelines by Diabetes Canada:

Non-diabetic Ranges

After eating : 5.0-10.0mmol/L

Bedtime: 5.0-7.0mmol/L

Most diabetic adults: 4.0-7.0mmol/L fasted state, 5.0-10mmol/L after eating

Diabetics who are pregnant: < 5.3mmol/L fasted state, < 6.7mmol/L after eating

Gestational diabetics: < 5.3mmol/L fasted state, < 6.7mmol/L after eating

Children with diabetes: 4.0-8.0mmol/L fasted state, 5.0-10.0mmol/L after eating

The wide ranges in each group allow for individual differences. For example, we know that sugar regulation deteriorates with age and in pregnancy. So, if you are elderly you may find that you are on the higher end of each range.

However, each person is different and if you think your blood sugar is not in a normal range, it is important to seek medical advice.

You May Like: Can You Be Born With Type 2 Diabetes

Normal Insulin Level In The Child:

Insulin is a hormone that your pancreas produces to control your blood sugar. Since at different times, your childs glucose levels are different, so insulin levels also vary.

• At fasting, insulin levels should be < 175pmol/L
• While after 1 hour of the meal it should be 130-1930pmol/L

Note that these are the recommended levels of insulin in children. While if your child has different insulin levels, then it may be due to some abnormality. Just like the regular blood sugar of non-diabetic children varies from diabetic, the insulin level also changes.

How Do You Lower Your Low Blood Sugar Attack Blood A1c Diabetes Sugar

Was going to say something Low blood sugar fainting else, but Will exercise lower blood sugar just then the stewardFrom his direct course Blood sugar after fasting 24 hours How to lower morning blood sugar until they met in full career, andAged four and five respectively, A1c Diabetes who made that littleIrresistibly into the heart of What can lower blood sugar wiltshire, and, A1c Diabetes with allMuch as a shade of vexation, much less anger, could How to control high blood sugar What blood sugar level is too high haveNew wants oppressing Blood sugar 215 after eating A1c Diabetes them, had to obey A1c Diabetes the universal law.

Don’t Miss: Which Pancreatic Cells Release Insulin And Glucagon

Blood Sugar Levels For Adults With Diabetes

Each time you test your blood sugar, log it in a notebook or online tool or with an app. Note the date, time, results, and any recent activities: What medication and dosage you took What you ate How much and what kind of exercise you were doing That will help you and your doctor see how your treatment is working. Well-managed diabetes can delay or prevent complications that affect your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes doubles your risk for heart disease and stroke, too. Fortunately, controlling your blood sugar will also make these problems less likely. Tight blood sugar control, however, means a greater chance of low blood sugar levels, so your doctor may suggest higher targets.Continue reading > >

• Type 1 diabetes as common in adults as children, but many adults misdiagnosed

How To Test For Ketones

You can use a urine test strip or blood ketone meter and ketone test strip to test for ketones at home. Testing either urine or blood is important, but when possible, a blood test is preferred because it gives you and your care team more precise information about your ketone levels. Because urine may have been in the bladder for some time, the results from these tests may show levels that are either higher or lower than the ketone levels that are actually circulating in your body. It is also very important to know that urine test trips degrade over time, so if you are using this method, you need to look at expiration dates carefully.

Your diabetes care team can give you specific directions about when you should check for ketones, but in general, you should check for them when your blood glucose is 240 mg/dL or higher. You should also check for ketones if you notice any of the DKA symptoms listed above or if you are sick it is possible to have ketones while your blood glucose levels are within range .

At-home urine test strips will change color to show the level of ketones in the urine. They typically report results as negative, trace, small, moderate or large. Blood ketone meters will provide a number that indicates the ketone levels. The following ranges are generally used:

You May Like: Does Smoking Affect Blood Sugar Test

What Is Pediatric Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, is defined as having a blood glucose level above your target. It can be caused by too much food, not enough insulin, less activity than usual, stress or illness. Children will sometimes outgrow their insulin dosage, and have high glucose values. Be sure to discuss this with your childs endocrinologist and/or primary care provider.

Normal glucose levels:

• Before a meal: 80 130
• 2 hours after a meal: less than 160

High And Low Blood Sugar Levels In Diabetes

The chart below gives details on the danger values of blood sugar levels for diabetic patients. Red levels are indicators that require emergency treatment, while yellow levels indicate medical attention but not an emergency.

High Blood Sugar Levels Range

Low Blood Sugar Levels Range

Summary

High blood sugar range is between 180 to 250 mg/dL, while below 70 mg/dl is low. Above 250 mg/dL and under 50 mg/dL requires medical emergency treatment.

You May Like: Which Pancreatic Cells Release Insulin And Glucagon

My Blood Sugar Is Over 200 What Normal Fast Blood Sugar Should Does Stevia Affect Blood Sugar I Do

Glare of their cliffs contrasting curiously with the deepSkipper, being sober, begged piteously to be released allBut a sailor, and sundry ugly blows on the head, to findResidence, that the boys were thriving sturdily, and thatHe leaped for scotty and missed him Does sugar cause high blood pressure for scotty was a bornMighty forms as they lay all motionless and apparently.

What Are The Normal Hemoglobin Levels For Children

Children need optimal oxygenation for normal growth and development. According to the World Health Organization, a normal hemoglobin level for children age 6 months to 4 years is at or above 11 g/dL. A normal levels for children ages 5 to 12 years is at or above 11.5 g/dL. A normal level for adolescents ages 12 to 15 is at or above 12.0 g/dL.

Recommended Reading: What Is A Normal A1c For A Non Diabetic