Pediatria pre prax 1/2015

Hypoglycemia in children older than one year

Hypoglycemia is characterized by non-physiologically low concentration of blood glucose. Currently, the normal values of blood glucose in children are considered from 3,5 to 5,6 mmol/l, while the hypoglycemia is blood glucose concentration below 2,8 mmol/l. Children’s brain is much more susceptible to damage due to hypoglycemia than the adult brain, therefore an early recognition, and effective treatment are very important for maintaining of the normal development of the child. This review is focused on identification of hypoglycemia by primary care pediatricians and the question when a child with hypoglycemia should be referred to a specialist.

Keywords: hypoglycemia, diagnostics of hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinism, ketotic hypoglycemia.