How can I tell if my child is going hypo?
At first, it can be difficult to recognise a hypo. For instance, is your child moody because they’re having an ‘off day’ or because they’re having a hypo? If you’re not sure, do a blood test. If the result is low (under 4mmol/l) it will be a hypo and it will need treating.
Over time, you will start to recognise your child’s hypo warning signs, but bear in mind that these can change. So it’s worth testing if your child shows any signs of a hypo, even if they are not their usual ones.
It can be difficult to recognise a hypo in a baby – sometimes the only warning signs are that they look floppy, pale or go very quiet (see Hypos for other warning signs). Check your baby’s blood glucose level if you see these signs or anything else that worries you. Ask to see a paediatric dietitian to discuss your baby’s feeding and ways to reduce the chances of your baby having a hypo.
My eight-year-old son is having regular hypos without any warning signs. Why?
If hypos are happening very regularly, the level at which he recognises hypo symptoms may be lower. Hypo unawareness can mean that control of your child’s diabetes is too tight. He can regain his hypo warning signs by running his blood glucose level a little higher for a while, but you should talk to your paediatric diabetes team about how best to do this.
Can blood glucose levels stay high to avoid hypos?
No. It can be harmful for your child if you try to run their blood glucose levels consistently very high in order to avoid hypos. Your child may start to feel thirsty, go to the loo a lot and feel tired - basically feel like they did before they were diagnosed.They may also develop ketones and long-term high blood glucose levels can lead to complications. Although hypos aren’t unavoidable, learning what causes them will help you and your child to manage them better.
Are my child’s hypos my fault?
No. All children with Type 1 will experience mild hypos. They are virtually impossible to avoid, especially if you are trying to keep good control. And no matter how careful you are about remembering to test and inject, your child is bound to have some hypos. They are a part of life with diabetes, so neither you nor your child should feel guilty if they happen.