Hypoglycemic Reaction (Infant/Toddler)

Blood sugar is also called glucose. It's used as energy by the body. Sometimes blood sugar drops too low (hypoglycemia). This causes a hypoglycemic reaction. Symptoms of a hypoglycemic reaction in infants include:

• Being irritable or jittery

• Shaking (tremors)

• A high-pitched cry

• Feeding problems

• Lack of energy (lethargy) or limpness

• Skin has a blue color

• Very fast breathing or heart rate

Symptoms of a hypoglycemic reaction in older children include:

• Feeling hungry, nervous, or angry

• Acting out

• Nightmares or waking up crying out

• Headache

• Sweating

• Feeling weak

• Confusion

• In severe cases, a child may have a seizure or faint (lose consciousness)

Low blood sugar may occur in healthy children who have not eaten for a while. It can also happen in children who have been vomiting or have had diarrhea. Some children are more likely to have hypoglycemic reactions. These include children with a metabolic or digestive problem, a hormone deficiency, or diabetes. Taking diabetes medicine or alcohol by accident may also cause low blood sugar.

This condition is diagnosed in children by testing blood. Low blood sugar must be raised to prevent a serious problem. First, try raising your child’s blood sugar by giving a food or drink that is high in sugar. If that doesn't work, your child may be given an IV (intravenous) sugar solution. Or they may get a shot (injection) of glucagon. This is a medicine that helps raise blood sugar levels. A baby's blood may be tested again after they skip one or two feedings. For older children, blood may be tested again after not eating overnight. This is called a fasting test. If your child still has low blood sugar, the healthcare provider will test for other causes.