Preventing High Blood Sugar Emergencies In Children With Diabetes: Why Should High Blood Sugar Be Prevented

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Why should high blood sugar be prevented?

Blood sugar levels that are somewhat above a normal or near-normal range may cause symptoms, such as increased thirst and more frequent urination. If early high blood sugar is not treated, it may rise to a very high level, which can be life-threatening. Over time, high blood sugar can also increase the risk for complications, such as problems with your nerves, eyes, or kidneys.

When your child's blood sugar level rises above 200 mg/dL, his or her kidneys will eliminate some of the extra sugar through the urine. Along with sugar, the kidneys release large amounts of fluid, which causes increased urination.

If your child's blood sugar level continues to rise and liquids that are lost aren't replaced, your child can become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to a high blood sugar emergency. Both of the following high blood sugar emergencies can become life-threatening:

• Your child is at risk for a high blood sugar emergency called a hyperosmolar state. A hyperosmolar state can develop if your child's blood sugar levels are consistently very high, such as above 600 mg/dL, and he or she becomes dehydrated. It is easy to overlook early symptoms of a hyperosmolar state.
• Your child may also develop a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) from high blood sugar. Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur if your child's blood sugar levels are consistently high, such as above 250 mg/dL, and he or she becomes dehydrated. In ketoacidosis, your child's body burns protein and fat for energy, causing acids and ketones to build up in his or her blood. These ketones can be partially released into the urine. If ketoacidosis develops, your child needs emergency care immediately to keep the condition from getting worse.

Often, a high blood sugar emergency can develop because of stress to your body, such as an infection or surgery, which increases the need for insulin.

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Last updated:	August 23, 2007
Author:	Merrill Hayden
Reviewed By:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Editors:	Marianne Flagg, Denele Ivins