Managing Blood Sugar Levels in Children: Concerns and Guidelines

Q: Managing Blood Sugar Levels in Children: Concerns and Guidelines

Dear Mr. <br>Wang：<br>1. <br>Normal fasting plasma glucose levels range from 70 to 100 mg/dL, while normal postprandial glucose levels two hours after eating range from 80 to 140 mg/dL. <br>Therefore, your child, being young with normal pancreatic function, may have normal glucos

Blood sugar issues

Hello Doctor, due to the Lunar New Year holiday, my child has been indulging in a lot of sweets and has had irregular meal times.
Last night, while he was asleep, I checked his blood sugar levels.
Two hours after eating, it was 127 mg/dL (at 1 AM), five hours after eating it was 100 mg/dL (at 4 AM), and fasting it was 98 mg/dL (at 8 AM).
My child is currently 3 years and 4 months old.
My wife recently discovered that she is in the prediabetic stage, so we are quite concerned and feel that the child's numbers are a bit high.
Thank you.

Mr. Wang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/06

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine

Dear Mr.
Wang:
1.
Normal fasting plasma glucose levels range from 70 to 100 mg/dL, while normal postprandial glucose levels two hours after eating range from 80 to 140 mg/dL.
Therefore, your child, being young with normal pancreatic function, may have normal glucose levels despite some dietary indiscretions.
2.
Being overweight or having a family history of diabetes indeed increases the risk of developing diabetes; additionally, a maternal history of gestational diabetes is also a risk factor.
3.
Personally, I believe that genetic issues cannot be effectively resolved at this time.
Therefore, family dietary habits are actually more important than genetics.
Parents' eating habits often directly influence their children's dietary habits; in other words, our eating habits are often unconsciously passed down from our parents.
4.
It is advisable to teach children to chew their food thoroughly and to eat until they are about 80% full.
Encourage them to consume whole foods while avoiding excessive processed foods, such as cakes, cookies, sugary drinks, potato chips, and fruit snacks.
Additionally, it is important to avoid diets high in calories, sugar, salt, and fat, particularly reducing the intake of trans fats and high fructose corn syrup products.
If possible, meals should be prepared with healthy ingredients, oils, and components, and it is best to avoid eating out or bringing takeout home.
Emphasize the importance of consuming plenty of vegetables and fruits, drinking water instead of commercially available beverages, and ensuring adequate sleep and regular daily exercise.
For any other concerns, please discuss them with your family physician or pediatrician.

Reply Date: 2017/02/06

More Info

Managing blood sugar levels in children is a crucial aspect of ensuring their overall health, especially in light of family history and dietary habits. Given the recent concerns regarding your child's elevated blood sugar readings, it's important to understand what these numbers mean and how to manage them effectively.

Firstly, let's break down the blood sugar readings you provided. A postprandial (after meal) blood sugar level of 127 mg/dL two hours after eating is slightly above the normal range for children, which is typically less than 120 mg/dL. However, a reading of 100 mg/dL five hours after eating and 98 mg/dL when fasting is within the normal range. This indicates that while there may have been a temporary spike in blood sugar after consuming sweets, your child's body seems to be managing blood sugar levels adequately over time.

The concern about your child's blood sugar levels is understandable, especially with your wife's recent diagnosis of prediabetes. Family history can play a significant role in a child's risk of developing diabetes, but it's essential to remember that children can often have fluctuations in blood sugar due to diet, activity level, and other factors.
Here are some guidelines and considerations for managing your child's blood sugar levels:
1. Balanced Diet: Encourage a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit the intake of sugary snacks and beverages. Instead of sweets, consider healthier alternatives like fruits or yogurt.

2. Regular Meal Times: Establish regular meal and snack times to help regulate blood sugar levels. This can prevent spikes and crashes that may occur with erratic eating patterns.

3. Physical Activity: Ensure that your child engages in regular physical activity. Exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Activities can include playing outside, riding a bike, or participating in sports.

4. Monitor Blood Sugar: Continue to monitor your child's blood sugar levels, especially if you notice any symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue. Keeping a log of these readings can help you and your healthcare provider identify any patterns or concerns.

5. Consult a Pediatrician: Given your family's history of diabetes, it would be wise to consult with your child's pediatrician. They may recommend further testing or a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist for a more comprehensive evaluation.

6. Education: Educate your child about healthy eating habits and the importance of physical activity. Teaching them about nutrition can empower them to make better choices as they grow.

7. Stress Management: Stress can also affect blood sugar levels. Encourage activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as reading, drawing, or spending time with family.

8. Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your child's healthcare provider to monitor growth, development, and metabolic health. This is particularly important given the family history of diabetes.

In conclusion, while your child's blood sugar readings may warrant attention, they are not necessarily indicative of an immediate problem. By implementing a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and consistent monitoring, you can help manage your child's blood sugar levels effectively. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and recommendations tailored to your child's specific needs.

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