Worried about your child’s blood sugar levels?
Diabetes rates are surging among American children. This metabolic disorder doesn’t just impact blood sugar levels, it can put your child at risk for a multitude of serious and potentially life-threatening health problems, which is why it’s important to monitor your child’s blood sugar. By turning to our Hobart, IN, pediatrician Dr. Marc Connery for regular wellness checkups, we can detect low or high blood sugar levels and provide your child with the treatment they need.
Are there warning signs and symptoms of childhood diabetes?
It’s important to recognize signs and symptoms of diabetes early in children. By catching this chronic disease early we can help them manage their blood sugar and prevent serious health complications. While not all children with diabetes will show signs, common signs and symptoms include,
- Intense hunger and thirst
- Frequent urination (can lead to more bedwetting incidents)
- Mood swings and increased irritability
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fruity breath
- Blurry vision
If your child is experiencing any of these signs of high blood sugar, it’s important that you call our Hobart, IN, pediatrician right away. Undiagnosed and untreated diabetes can cause severe damage.
What happens if I suspect that my child has diabetes?
When you call our office we will learn more about your concerns and the symptoms your child is experiencing to determine whether they need to come into our office right away. The only way to check blood sugar levels is to perform a blood test known as a glucose test, which measures the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.
Children will often need to fast before this blood test, so it’s important to keep that in mind when scheduling their appointment. Even if your child isn’t at risk for diabetes, our Hobart, IN, pediatrician may still recommend a glucose test to check blood sugar levels.
How do I monitor my child’s blood sugar?
Whether your family has a history of diabetes or your child has been diagnosed with diabetes, monitoring their blood sugar is the best way to make sure their disease is being properly managed. Most children with diabetes will require insulin to help balance out blood sugar levels. Of course, a healthy lifestyle and diet are also key to keeping blood sugar in check.
A blood glucose meter can be used to check blood sugar levels no matter whether your child is at home or school. Kids with diabetes should check their levels before meals and right before bedtime. Checking blood sugar often throughout the day gives our pediatric team more insight into whether your child’s diabetes is properly controlled by their current lifestyle, diet and medications.
Monitoring your child’s blood sugar is important to help them better manage their blood sugar. These days, continuous glucose monitoring and other advanced tools are making it easier to monitor and balance blood sugar spikes. To discuss how to monitor your child’s blood sugar, call our Hobart, IN, pediatrician Dr. Connery at Brickyard Pediatrics at (219) 940-9605 to schedule an evaluation.