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The Question
03/08/09 09:39 AM

"Should I be monitoring my daughter's sugar levels without a doctors recommendation?"
Asked By: sherrylima  
Category: Children's Issues

Background Info Hide
My father has diabetese. My nine year old has fainted twice in the past 2 months. I brought her to her ped. She stated that an accurate reading would not be possible, because she was given juice before she was seen by the ped. The doctor went on to say that she belived that it was my daughter's high matabolism. More snacks were needed between meals. The ped. wants to wait and see if she continues to faint before taking diabetes into account. I really dont want my daughter to faint and bump her head during one of these spells.

Expert Answers (1)

03/10/09 05:14 PM

I can understand your concern for your daughter. I cannot diagnose conditions or diseases because I am not a doctor. However, what your are describing seems to be related to low blood sugar and not high blood sugar. High blood sugars are called hyperglycemia and are a sign of diabetes. Low blood sugars are called hypoglycemia and occur when blood sugar is too low. Some people who have diabetes can get hypoglycemia as a side effect of meds they take. People without diabetes can also experience signs of hypoglycemia. Fainting is a common sign. Others include shaking, fast heart beat, sweating, anxiousness, dizziness, hnger, impaired vision, weakness, tiredness, headach and irritability. People can get signs of low blood sugar when there sugar is actually low, but they can also get signs if the blood sugar falls too quickly. There is no number to define low blood sugar. Some people may become symptomatic if the blood sugar is below 80, some may not get symptoms unless the blood sugar is below 60. The treatment for hypoglycemia is to avoid foods made with white flour or refined (white) sugar. These types of food can cause quick rises in the blood sugar followed by a quick fall in the blood sugar. Another recommendation is to eat small frequent meals or at least snack between meals. Include a variety of food groups and healthy carbohydrate choices (whole grain, whole fruit, etc). Carbohydrate choices should be balanced throughout the day. (Carb choices include starchy foods( starchy veggies, legumes, breads, etc) , dairy, and fruits. You do not need a prescription to check someone's blood sugar, but you need to make sure that you can use a glucose meter correctly. I would advise you to be referred to a dietitian asap. She/he may be able to adivise you about low blood sugar, healthy diet and how to use a glucose meter. Good luck!
Answered By: Donna Yuscavage
Accreditations: RN, BSN, CDE
Sources Show

Community Answers (1)

07/09/10 08:39 PM

Diabetes could be one of any number of causes for your daughter's fainting. If you have access to a meter your father does NOT use, I would certainly ask your father if you could use it. If your daughter is with you when she faints, or tells you she's feeling like she is going to, test her sugar (I'm assuming you know how, but you can always ask your dad to be sure.) If your daughter is mature enough, let her keep the meter with her, and show her how to check her blood sugar. Checking her sugars at the time of her fainting spells would certainly help you help your daughter and her doctor diagnose/rule out diabetes or hypoglycemia, but beyond that, you will have to trust her doctor to order any additional types of tests for other conditions.
Answered By: momma9105
FLAG
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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