Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a common condition affecting millions of children worldwide. As the prevalence of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes increases, it's essential for parents and caregivers to understand the early signs of hyperglycemia and how to monitor their child's blood sugar levels effectively.
The Risks Associated with Unchecked Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia can lead to a range of complications in children, from mild symptoms like thirst and fatigue to severe consequences such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. In children, hyperglycemia can also impair growth and development, leading to delayed puberty or stunted growth.
Recognizing Early Signs of Hyperglycemia
The early signs of hyperglycemia in children often mimic those of common childhood illnesses. Look out for:
Increased thirst and urination
Fatigue and lethargy
Cuts or wounds that take longer than usual to heal
Frequent infections, such as yeast infections or urinary tract infections
The Importance of Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
Monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial in managing hyperglycemia. Children with diabetes should check their blood sugar levels at least four times a day using a glucometer. Parents and caregivers can also use continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems to track blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Common Causes of Hyperglycemia in Children
Hyperglycemia in children is often caused by:
Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity
Family history of type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes
Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
Poor diet and consumption of high-sugar foods
Managing Hyperglycemia through Diet and Exercise
By making a few simple changes to your child's diet and increasing their physical activity levels, you can help manage hyperglycemia. This includes:
Eating a balanced diet that is low in added sugars and saturated fats
Encouraging regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming
Limiting sedentary activities like watching TV or playing video games
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your child shows any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Severe vomiting or diarrhea
High fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
Confusion or altered mental status
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In this video, we're going to talk about testing glucose and ketone levels. Which one is more important to do?
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Hypoglycemia:
Dawn Phenomenon:
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When you test your glucose:
• The lower the glucose, the higher the ketones
• The higher the glucose, the lower the ketones
When you start out, you might have a blood sugar of around 80, but as you do ketosis, you'll find it goes lower and lower. If you're feeling great, you probably aren't developing hypoglycemia.
But, there is something called the dawn phenomenon that happens for a few reasons. It may happen because of gluconeogenesis, you're prediabetic, you have insulin resistance, or you get a spike in cortisol.
When you test your ketones:
You can check your ketone levels through your blood, breath, or urine.
When you start blood sugar level of 5.5 mmol/l out, I recommend checking your urine. When you're more experienced, I recommend checking your 600 blood sugar dangerous blood.
Ketones provide 30-38% of the fuel in the body. 50-60% of the fuel is going to be from fatty acids. Even though your ketones may be low, you may still be burning fat. You just can't test it.
I wouldn't worry if you're doing keto and intermittent fasting, but you're ketones are low—it's because probably because of the dawn phenomenon.
Which is more important to test, glucose, or ketones?
*I think glucose is more important to test than ketones. But, I recommend testing them both to understand what's happening and the significance of each one.
Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, 56 years of age is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of The New Body Type Guide and other books published by KB Publishing. He has taught students nutrition as an adjunct professor at Howard University. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.
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Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. normal blood sugar test You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Testing Glucose Or Ketones: Which Is More Important? [13218f]