Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the body’s primary energy source, derived from the carbohydrates a child consumes. Maintaining a steady level is important because it fuels all the body’s systems, especially the brain and muscles. The regulation of blood sugar is a delicate process managed by hormones like insulin and glucagon, which work together to keep the body in a state of balance. For a child, this balance is fundamental for healthy growth, consistent energy levels, and proper cognitive function.
Healthy Blood Sugar Ranges for Non-Diabetic Children
The body of a child without diabetes naturally keeps blood sugar levels within a healthy, narrow range. These ranges are generally consistent across childhood. A non-diabetic child’s fasting blood sugar, measured after they have not eaten for at least eight hours, typically falls between 70 and 120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
After a meal, the body digests carbohydrates and absorbs glucose, causing a temporary rise in the blood sugar level. For healthy children, this post-meal level generally peaks and then returns to the normal range quickly. One to two hours after eating, a healthy child’s blood sugar should remain below 140 mg/dL.
The pancreas releases the hormone insulin to move this glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells for energy or storage. Glucagon performs the opposite function, signaling the liver to release stored glucose when blood sugar starts to drop too low. This continuous, balanced interplay between insulin and glucagon maintains a state of euglycemia, preventing both high and low blood sugar readings.
Recognizing Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia
When blood sugar levels move outside the typical healthy range, a child may experience noticeable physical symptoms. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is generally considered a blood glucose level above 140 mg/dL after a meal, or a persistently elevated level. Common symptoms of high blood sugar in children include feeling very thirsty, needing to urinate more frequently, fatigue, and sometimes a fruity odor on the breath.
Temporary spikes in blood sugar can happen after a large, high-carbohydrate meal, but consistently high levels may indicate an underlying issue. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is typically defined as a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia is often caused by a missed meal, excessive physical activity, or, in a child with diabetes, taking too much insulin.
The symptoms of low blood sugar can be rapid and alarming, involving feelings of shakiness, sweating, paleness, and irritability. Young children may simply become cranky, cry, or appear drowsy. If a child exhibits these signs, checking their blood sugar is the only way to know the exact cause, as some symptoms can overlap between high and low glucose.
Blood Sugar Targets for Children with Diabetes
For children who have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, the management goal is to replicate the body’s natural regulation as closely as possible. The targets for children with diabetes are more specific and often tighter than the general healthy ranges to prevent complications. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) generally recommends that children and adolescents aim for a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) level of less than 7%.
The A1C test provides an average of blood sugar control over the previous two to three months, offering a long-term view of management. This A1C target helps to reduce the risk of long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications. Due to the risk of severe hypoglycemia, less stringent A1C goals, such as under 7.5% or 8%, may be appropriate for very young children or those who have trouble recognizing the symptoms of low blood sugar.
In terms of daily measurements, blood sugar targets are often differentiated by age and time of day. These targets are individualized by the child’s medical team. The overall aim is to keep blood sugar values within a goal range of 70 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL for greater than 70% of the day, a concept known as “Time in Range.”
Age-Specific Daily Targets
For children aged 6 and older, a common pre-meal target range is 70 to 150 mg/dL. At bedtime and during the night, the target is often raised slightly to a range of 90 to 150 mg/dL to prevent overnight low blood sugar. Children aged 1 to 5 may have a slightly higher pre-meal goal, such as 80 to 150 mg/dL, also with a nighttime goal of 90 to 150 mg/dL.