
March 25, 2002
Hypoglycemia
Question from Barceloneta, Puerto Rico:
Our almost five year old daughter has been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, and we have a family history of diabetes on both sides. We would like to know more about hypoglycemia (the symptoms, how to treat them, what to eat or not to eat) and if this condition could lead our daughter to diabetes. Also, our daughter is having some “attitude” problems at school and at home which seem to be when she does not eat for an hour or two. Could these be part of the hypoglycemia?
Answer:
Your daughter’s diagnosis does not make it more likely that she will develop diabetes.
KJR
[Editor’s comment: See The Diabetes Monitor: Other causes of hypoglycemia. Your daughter’s behavior problems might be related. It might be helpful for you to meet with a dietitian. People with hypoglycemia usually require frequent meals with limited amounts of concentrated carbohydrate. In addition, I would recommend that you consider purchasing a blood glucose meter to keep a watch on her levels.
SS]