What is Hypoglycemia?

- Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood glucose level lower than 70 mg/dL.

It occurs as a result of too much insulin, not enough food, or excessive activity. If possible, the nurse should confirm hypoglycemia with a blood glucose reading. Glucose is administered orally immediately; the rapid-releasing sugar is followed by a complex carbohydrate and protein, such as a slice of bread or a peanut butter cracker. An extra snack is given if the next meal is not planned for more than 30 minutes or if activity is planned.

When the child becomes unconscious, cake frosting or glucose paste is squeezed onto the gums and the blood glucose level is retested if the child does not improve within 15 to 20 minutes; if the reading remains low, additional sugar is administered and the child remains unconscious, administration of glucagon may be necessary, and the nurse should be prepared for this intervention.

*Encouraging the child to ambulate and administering regular insulin will result in a lowered blood glucose level. Providing electrolyte replacement therapy intravenously is an intervention to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.