Pediatric hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)

What is pediatric hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)?

Call 911 if the patient is unconscious or having a seizure followed by instructions given by your endocrinologist or primary care provider.

Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, means the blood glucose level is above target. It can be caused by too much food, not enough insulin, less activity than usual, stress or illness. Sometimes children outgrow their insulin dosage and have high glucose values. Be sure to discuss this with your child’s endocrinologist and/or pediatrician. 

Normal glucose levels:

• Before a meal: 80 – 130
• 2 hours after a meal: less than 160

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)?

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Fatigue
• Fruity breath odor
• Stomachache
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

What are the causes of pediatric hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)?

• Not eating enough carbs at meals or snacks
• Too much insulin or taking the wrong dose
• Extra exercise
• Illness with vomiting

How is pediatric hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) treated?

Encourage your child to drink lots of water. Extra rapid acting insulin can be given according to your correction scale. Use the correction scale only before meals and before the bedtime snack.

• 6 – 12 oz. of water every 20 minutes
• Insulin therapy
• Contact your endocrinologist and/ or pediatrician

Helpful hints

• Do not give extra insulin, such as mid-morning, mid-afternoon or during the night unless told to do so by the diabetes team or your provider. This can cause "stacking of insulin", resulting in low blood sugar or glucose.
• When you notice a pattern of high blood glucose values, send your child's glucose log to the diabetes team.
• High blood sugar does not mean that you are doing something wrong. It is information that can be used to improve your child's diabetes control.