Normal glucose levels in children

Maintaining adequate glucose levels in children is essential for their correct physical and mental development. What else should we know about it? In this space we detail it.

Glucose in children is a subject that requires special attention. As many know, all people use glucose as an energy source. For this reason, we ingest different forms of sugar that the body breaks down into glucose, which passes into the blood to be used by the cells.

In both adults and children, there are glucose levels considered normal to ensure that everything goes as it should. What do we need to know about it? In this space we detail it.

What is blood glucose?

Blood glucose is the measure of blood glucose levels. As we have mentioned, we ingest sugars with food in different more complex forms , such as, for example, fructose or sucrose.

With digestion, we turn these complex sugars into simpler substances, like glucose. Thus, glucose passes into the blood, through which it circulates continuously until cells absorb it for use as an energy source.

The function of glucose is to serve as energy to the body. When cells absorb this substance from the blood, they convert it, through a metabolic process known as the Krebs cycle , into ATP, a molecule that they will use in the rest of the physiological processes that they carry out.

Therefore, glucose is an essential substance for the entire human body to function. When there is excess glucose in the blood, it can be stored as glycogen in the liver. These reserves are activated when the body needs an extra supply of glucose, for example, when exercising.

What is the importance of glucose values?

As such a substance is important for the functions of the human body, it is vital that it be kept within a range of normal values. They will ensure that the body has the glucose it needs to carry out all its functions.

In children, moreover, this is even more important. With growth, they consume more energy than adults. Adequate glucose levels are necessary for the child to develop properly , both physically and mentally.

Glucose levels vary in all people throughout the day and in different circumstances. For example, with exercise, stress or depending on the type of food eaten.

What are the normal glucose levels in children?

We usually measure glucose from a blood sample. This measurement can be taken at different times of the day, for which there will be different reference values.

Normally, glucose is measured on an empty stomach, that is, at least after 8 hours without eating any food. This is known as basal glycemia , and it is the one that will give us the most information about glucose management in a person.

The values ​​considered normal in children are usually lower than those we take as normal in adults. Thus, at different times when blood glucose can be measured, normal measurements in children are:

• Basal blood glucose (fasting): 70-110 g / dL
• Prandial blood glucose (immediately after food): less than 130 g / dL
• Blood glucose 2 hours after ingestion: less than 100 g / dL

Low glucose levels in children

Low blood glucose values, known as hypoglycemia, may be due to low sugar intake or even malnutrition in the child. If you constantly have low glucose values, this can affect your correct development. In addition, it can cause dizziness and fainting at times when the body needs more glucose.

High glucose values

At certain times, glucose may be high, for example, from previous food intake with many sugars. High glucose levels are known as hyperglycemia. If it is a recurring problem, it can indicate that the child's lifestyle is not adequate.

That is, you may be sedentary or your diet may be based on foods with too many sugars. Similarly, high glucose in children can indicate that the minor is suffering from type I diabetes or  diabetes mellitus . To confirm this, a complete examination by the specialist will be necessary.

 Normal glucose levels in children: what should be clear?

Maintaining adequate glucose levels is essential for the child to develop properly. Your doctor will carry out glucose controls that you believe are appropriate for the age and condition of each child.

Even so, before any sign that makes us suspect that the glucose in the child is not as it should, we must go to the specialist , who will decide how to act.