Low blood sugar QUICK ADVICE!

[megs4413]

Yes, i've talked to the pediatrician...she seems to think I can handle this at home, but I'm freaking nervous so I could use some BTDT wisdom!

DS has always struggled with low body weight/body fat and resulting hypoglycemia. I have wondered if he's diabetic. We check his blood sugar at home occasionally and if it's a little low, we feed him. Otherwise, we're not doing that much about it beyond trying to make him eat more calories and trying to limit situations that make his blood sugar drop. he hasn't had a bad hypoglycemic attack in a long time.

He had a couple friends sleeping over last night and I guess they must not have really slept at all, so the boys (not my son) came and got me this morning and said something was wrong with him and he couldn't talk or sit up or anything. He was moaning and crying. I checked his sugar and it was 38. I freaked out and got him some juice. He swallowed it and then immediately started vomiting. I called the pedi and she said to feed him candy and recheck. I did that. it went up to 44. I got him to eat a little more and it went up to 80. He was begging to sleep. So, I let him sleep....

BUT, now I don't know what to do. How often do I check him? The nurse on the phone said every two hours. She said he needs to eat protein every two hours. her only suggestion was chicken. I think that's gonna be a hard sell.

Any practical advice for how to handle him today? This is stressing me out. It's never been that low before. TIA!

[chlobo]

I don't know about the feeding thing but I think you probably need to see a specialist to get a better idea of what his condition is. Hugs. I hope he gets better soon.

[Philly Mom]

Have you seen an endocrinologist? That is very low for someone his age. When was the last time he ate before the 38? At 80, you are fine. Let him sleep. My DD needs it after an episode but she is much younger.

Our endo, from chop, says to not listen to other people about the whole protein, etc. He needs carbs. If you can mix with a protein great. We like chocolate covered almonds but our endo was happy with pancakes and syrup. I find my DD knows what she needs so does eat a lot of protein, sausage in particular is her current favorite. She also loves bagel and cream cheese.

Low blood sugar is the opposite of diabetes so you are not looking at diabetes. There are a variety of hypoglycemias but the only way to know what is ailing him is to do a hospitalized fast where they test sugars repeatedly and draw blood after it drops below 50, then they give a shot of something and test blood again. These are large blood draws. They will test for lots of stuff or they will find that this was a freak occurrence and he is not actually hypoglycemic. Have your ped get you an emergency appointment with an endocrinologist. The endo will want to see you right away. We got in 4 days later because my ped called. Good luck. PM mid you have any questions.


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[lalasmama]

Peanut butter has plenty of protein, and is a bit more kid friendly :)

When I used to go low, I'd do a few good swigs of soda, then a spoonful of peanut butter.

At the pharmacy is some gel stuff called glucogel or such. It's sugar gel that can be squeezed into the mouth. I'd keep that on hand, knowing he has issues. It's easier to use than glucotabs, since it doesn't require chewing. (I'm impressed he was even able to swallow at 38. I get rum-dummy in my low 50s, and downright combative by my 40s.)

[megs4413]

We have a peanut allergic daughter so we don't keep it in the house. How long should I let him sleep?

[hillview]

Eggs? So sorry you are dealing with this

[Philly Mom]

We have a peanut allergic daughter so we don't keep it in the house. How long should I let him sleep?

Can you prick his heal or big toe while he sleeps?


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[rlu]

If you can you do tree nuts, there's one source. What about string cheese? I eat two for my mid-morning snack and that seems to help keep me on an even keel.

Are there granola bars you can keep in the house (my preferred protein bars have peanuts & dark chocolate but there are lots I can't eat due to tree nuts, but again if tree nuts are ok, there are some non-peanut ones out there).

I eat three pieces of turkey bacon every morning. My doctor was a bit aghast but I eat it with oatmeal and that seems to be a good start for me. (As opposed to the chocolate donuts and pancakes DH plied me with over the holidays that had me crashing/shaking/hangry an hour later).

eta: greek yogurt

[megs4413]

Can you prick his heal or big toe while he sleeps?


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I can try!

[Philly Mom]

I can try!

For the pricker, use a big number so you don't need to squeeze to get blood out. If his number has dropped below 70, I would go to your pediatric hospital. I don't think it should. With a number below 50, especially before our formal diagnosis, my endo says get food in child, drive to emergency room. If it isn't staying above 70, with such a low number earlier, I would go get admitted.

Another thing to try is cake icing in squirt container.


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[zukeypur]

We keep plenty of juice boxes around for when DH's sugar drops. He also likes yogurt because it has both sugar and protein. Squeeze fruit pouches might also be a good idea, and you can easily pack them in your purse for emergency. The kids know that there is a box of stuff that is off limits for snacking, because it is for Daddy's sugar.

[KpbS]

No btdt, but when is your appt.? I would keep testing him and insist on being seen by ped office or go to ER if he seems off or gets low again. Hopefully they can work you in and get a plan for the future and an appt with an endo ASAP. :hug:

[megs4413]

We don't have an appointment. I think I will call a specialist today.

I let him sleep for an hour and rechecked him and his BS was 95, so that was a big relief. He got dressed and we went to get lunch at his favorite place and on the way there we had to pull over because he got sick. He dry heaved over and over. I carried him back to the car and took his BS again and it was 50. He was able to eat lunch (a turkey and cheese sandwich and a Powerade.) he didn't have any trouble eating. I'm gonna check his sugar again in a half hour. This is very scary.

ETA: I didn't wait the full half hour. He ate most of a turkey and cheese sandwich, some chicken, and a chocolate chip cookie along with Powerade. His bs was 145. Is that too high? I'm so confused. It's swinging wildly, IMO.

[ShanaMama]

No advice, just hugs. It sounds really stressful and scary. I know you've dealt with medical things before with your kids and you are a great advocate for him. I'd definitely want more help than your Ped seems to be giving you. If you have a hard time getting an appt with a specialist and he's still swinging so wildly maybe a trip to the ER is warranted. It might help you get seen faster as well.

[KpbS]

I agree w PP--I think I would go to the ER of the local children's hospital and hope they can get you seen without too much ordeal. Can your DH care for your other DC? ER's can be a big time commitment, but can fast track you to seeing a specialist and getting help. :hug:

[candaceb]

Going into a holiday weekend, I wouldn't wait. I would go to the pediatrician's office and demand to be seen or go to the nearest children's hospital ER. He is not stable and that is a big red flag to me that this needs immediate attention.

[Philly Mom]

We don't have an appointment. I think I will call a specialist today.

I let him sleep for an hour and rechecked him and his BS was 95, so that was a big relief. He got dressed and we went to get lunch at his favorite place and on the way there we had to pull over because he got sick. He dry heaved over and over. I carried him back to the car and took his BS again and it was 50. He was able to eat lunch (a turkey and cheese sandwich and a Powerade.) he didn't have any trouble eating. I'm gonna check his sugar again in a half hour. This is very scary.

ETA: I didn't wait the full half hour. He ate most of a turkey and cheese sandwich, some chicken, and a chocolate chip cookie along with Powerade. His bs was 145. Is that too high? I'm so confused. It's swinging wildly, IMO.

That is higher than normal. I would go to the pediatric ER. Do you have a good one? If it swung back down to 50, that is not normal and he should have a doctor observe him. I am more concerned with the swing down then up. In the hospital, my DD's went up to the 200s once they gave her food after her fast. They weren't too concerned but did test for a genetic growth hormone because of it. Are you sure your meter is accurate?




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[megs4413]

That is higher than normal. I would go to the pediatric ER. Do you have a good one? If it swung back down to 50, that is not normal and he should have a doctor observe him. I am more concerned with the swing down then up. In the hospital, my DD's went up to the 200s once they gave her food after her fast. They weren't too concerned but did test for a genetic growth hormone because of it. Are you sure your meter is accurate?




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How do I know if the meter is accurate? It's a contour next. I checked his BS again just now which is a little over an hour from the last time and about an hour after he finished eating and it was 174 (so up again from the last one.) I'm running out of testing supplies so I need to go get those.

So his sugars today:
11:30 am 38
12:15 pm 44
12:45pm 80
1:45 pm 95
2:15 pm 50
3:30 pm 145
4:45pm 174

Thoughts? I will call the pedi again here, but after talking to them this morning, I don't know what good it will do. We have out of town guests staying here all week, so this is really tough timing. I'm hosting a big NYE party on thursday. :/

[JElaineB]

You need to see a pediatric endocrinologist ASAP. He is not regulating blood sugar levels properly. There could be several root causes but you need an expert. Take him to ER if blood glucose drops very low again but keep some glucose tabs or gel on hand as well.

[Indianamom2]

I think with his instability and age, along with you hosting a big party on Thursday, I'd take him to the ER. I just think that's too big a swing to be even remotely normal. Hope you get things figured out ASAP. I know it must be scary.

[Philly Mom]

Bisous has posted about the best meters. I think I may have asked. I don't know about meters. Hypoglycemia is not as well understood by Peds but if they don't set you up with an endo appointment immediately or send you to the er, I question them. My DD was younger but we had an endo less than a week later.


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[mom2binsd]

I would not rely on your testing at this point, I'd get to the ER.

[PZMommy]

Another vote for going to the ER. The fact your pedi blew it off really bugs me, as those swings are not normal at all. I would not be going into a holiday weekend without seeing a doctor ASAP, a di think the ER would be your best bet to getting fast tracked to a specialist.

[BunnyBee]

Another vote for the ER at a children's hospital. I would get him stabilized there and find a good pediatric endocrinologist and geneticist.

[hbridge]

I would head to the ER. If you are not comfortable handling this at home, DON'T! That is your intuition, trust that. If possible, head to a large Children's Hospital ER (or the hospital that you trust the most). The timing of this is NOT good, but your company can handle the party prep for Thursday, ect.

Last month, we drove two hours one to the nearest Children's Hospital ER since our pediatricians office would not touch my child's complicated case. It took the day, but they were WONDERFUL and we knew we were getting the best care available.

Please don't wait. Feed him and have food with you, but take him in ASAP...

Hugs to you all.

[kristenk]

I think you're in the same general area that I am. One of the local children's hospitals has several urgent care centers near me. Even though the hospital isn't close by, I have two affiliated urgent care centers close by. I'd probably go to one of those.

[trcy]

Another vote to get him to an ER. Hope he is feeling better soon and you get some answers.

[Philly Mom]

I think you're in the same general area that I am. One of the local children's hospitals has several urgent care centers near me. Even though the hospital isn't close by, I have two affiliated urgent care centers close by. I'd probably go to one of those.

Normally, I am happy with an urgent care but you really need an ER. You need a specialized endocrinologist to be consulted and you won't find them at urgent care. Hypoglycemia is rare. My uneducated guess is that this is related to the growth issues I believe you mentioned. Based on my DD's blood results her growth is being monitored.


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[kristenk]

Normally, I am happy with an urgent care but you really need an ER. You need a specialized endocrinologist to be consulted and you won't find them at urgent care. Hypoglycemia is rare. My uneducated guess is that this is related to the growth issues I believe you mentioned. Based on my DD's blood results her growth is being monitored.


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The reason that I suggested one of the XXX Children's Medical Center's Urgent Care facilities is b/c chances are one would be closer to her than the main children's hospital and it would be a way to fast-track to the children's hospital, if necessary, and they only deal with kids. My reasoning could be way off, though.

[megs4413]

Normally, I am happy with an urgent care but you really need an ER. You need a specialized endocrinologist to be consulted and you won't find them at urgent care. Hypoglycemia is rare. My uneducated guess is that this is related to the growth issues I believe you mentioned. Based on my DD's blood results her growth is being monitored.


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I hadn't seen this before we left. We went to the urgent care associated with the children's hospital based on calling the nurse line at children's. She said the urgent care was good, but I think that was a total waste. His BS was ok before we left at home when I checked but he wasn't feeling well (lethargic, very sleepy) so I tested his urine for ketones and it was large. We decided that we should go ahead in because of that.

They checked his sugar there and in the 30 minutes it took from when tested it at home to them testing it in office it went from 122 to 92. I asked if that was ok, they said it was within the range but I meant that it seemed quick to drop like that. They basically said that he needed to see an endocrinologist and that I should see his pedi tomorrow to get a referral to one. I asked what to do tonight and they said as long as he was acting fine, I didn't need to do anything. She said if the BS went below 60, to give him candy again to bring it up. If he wouldn't take the candy, call 911.

Sorry, typing on my phone

[petesgirl]

Another vote for the ER. It can be very dangerous when blood sugar issues are not treated.

[kristenk]

Ugh, megs. Sorry that I mentioned the urgent care and that they ended up being less than helpful.

I'd head to the ER at this point.

[chlobo]

I hadn't seen this before we left. We went to the urgent care associated with the children's hospital based on calling the nurse line at children's. She said the urgent care was good, but I think that was a total waste. His BS was ok before we left at home when I checked but he wasn't feeling well (lethargic, very sleepy) so I tested his urine for ketones and it was large. We decided that we should go ahead in because of that.

They checked his sugar there and in the 30 minutes it took from when tested it at home to them testing it in office it went from 122 to 92. I asked if that was ok, they said it was within the range but I meant that it seemed quick to drop like that. They basically said that he needed to see an endocrinologist and that I should see his pedi tomorrow to get a referral to one. I asked what to do tonight and they said as long as he was acting fine, I didn't need to do anything. She said if the BS went below 60, to give him candy again to bring it up. If he wouldn't take the candy, call 911.

Sorry, typing on my phone

Sorry you got such a lackluster response. I hope your night isn't too bad and your ped. takes appropriate action tomorrow.

[Philly Mom]

I hadn't seen this before we left. We went to the urgent care associated with the children's hospital based on calling the nurse line at children's. She said the urgent care was good, but I think that was a total waste. His BS was ok before we left at home when I checked but he wasn't feeling well (lethargic, very sleepy) so I tested his urine for ketones and it was large. We decided that we should go ahead in because of that.

They checked his sugar there and in the 30 minutes it took from when tested it at home to them testing it in office it went from 122 to 92. I asked if that was ok, they said it was within the range but I meant that it seemed quick to drop like that. They basically said that he needed to see an endocrinologist and that I should see his pedi tomorrow to get a referral to one. I asked what to do tonight and they said as long as he was acting fine, I didn't need to do anything. She said if the BS went below 60, to give him candy again to bring it up. If he wouldn't take the candy, call 911.

Sorry, typing on my phone

My endo would say that if the blood sugar goes below 60 again, get in the car with candy and go to the pediatric er. When we were waiting for an official diagnosis, if she was in the 60s we called the emergent line. Once we realized she bounced back quickly in the 60s, we discussed ways to avoid, granola bar (with chocolate) before bed helped. The 50s was an er visit. I carry a letter with me if her blood sugar drops so I can go to any ER and get the correct medicine. I know how scary this is so feel free to reach out.


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[daisysmom]

Ugh. Well - hmmm. Maybe i would still go to the ER. The additional lethargy and ketones issue - the wild swings- just doesn't sound like it is being controlled. I tend to overreact but trying to look at this calmly,this does sound like an emergency and the urgent care place could not admit him so they just whiffed.

[PZMommy]

I find urgent cares are great for things like strep, ear infections, etc. But for serious issues you need to go to the ER. With my DS's breathing issues, we have always been told, don't go to the urgent care, just go straight to the ER as they have more resources to treat him there and monitor him better. If I were you I'd still go to the ER tonight.

[megs4413]

I don't know what to think. It's ironic that I posted about whether or not I should start taking this seriously a few weeks ago and here we are...i guess I should have. My mommy gut has been just off lately. I'm hyper-focused on DD2...

So, I'm going to just keep checking him tonight. he'll sleep right by me. And tomorrow I will call the pedi and see if we can get a fast track into an endocrinologist ASAP. if for any reason he drops back below 60 tonight, I think we'll just go ahead and go to the ER at children's.

[ArizonaGirl]

No advice just :hug:

Update when you can, I will be thinking of you guys.

[mikala]

No advice just :hug:

Update when you can, I will be thinking of you guys.

Ditto! sending lots of p&pt your way!

[Philly Mom]

I don't know what to think. It's ironic that I posted about whether or not I should start taking this seriously a few weeks ago and here we are...i guess I should have. My mommy gut has been just off lately. I'm hyper-focused on DD2...

So, I'm going to just keep checking him tonight. he'll sleep right by me. And tomorrow I will call the pedi and see if we can get a fast track into an endocrinologist ASAP. if for any reason he drops back below 60 tonight, I think we'll just go ahead and go to the ER at children's.

I just re-read your post from a couple weeks ago. Is this the first time his numbers have gone below 60? If no, I am surprised your ped hasn't sent you to an endocrinologist. Also, your ped tested for diabetes but that is high blood sugar not low. That is a confusing choice. Being small alone could just be how he is built. But combined with numbers below 60, I would be seeing someone quickly given your day today. From my experience, I think an endo would be alarmed with everything today even if it ends up being unrelated to growth.

ETA: I want to give you lots of hugs as well. This was so hard for us and we ended up with the "best" kind of hypoglycemia.

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[TwinFoxes]

I am surprised your ped hasn't sent you to an endo. My DD's blood sugar dropped to 70 once. She became lethargic to the point of appearing unconscious. They immediately referred is to an endo. It was a fluke and has recurred, but I really think you should push them for a referral. Good luck!

[ShanaMama]

Just checking in again to send P & PT. I hope the night goes well and you have more clarity in the morning. Yeah ur son is lucky to have you!

[icunurse]

Just adding in to take your monitor the next time you go to the ER, ped, wherever. When they draw blood, do a finger stick. They will probably look at you weird, but just tell them you worry about your monitor being off. That way, you can compare the two results to see how accurate your monitor is. A little difference is expected. A big one means there is either user error or a bad monitor. Good luck with everything.

[chlobo]

Hoping the night went well.

[babyonway]

How do I know if the meter is accurate?

Do you have the control solution that came with the monitor to test for accuracy?


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[lalasmama]

How'd the night go?

[gatorsmom]

How'd the night go?

yes, please give us some news. I was thinking of and praying for your son before I fell asleep last night.

[megs4413]

thanks for checking on us. The night went well. His BS was 179 at 10:30pm, 117 at 12:30pm, 111 at 4:30am, and 78 at 9:30am. At the 4:30am check he seemed like himself again. I don't know how to explain it other than to say he just felt like him to me....like his spark was back. He's eating breakfast now. I plan to feed him frequently today and keep checking his blood sugar. I'm calling the pediatrician and then hoping that they can get him into an endo relatively soon.

[trcy]

thanks for checking on us. The night went well. His BS was 179 at 10:30pm, 117 at 12:30pm, 111 at 4:30am, and 78 at 9:30am. At the 4:30am check he seemed like himself again. I don't know how to explain it other than to say he just felt like him to me....like his spark was back. He's eating breakfast now. I plan to feed him frequently today and keep checking his blood sugar. I'm calling the pediatrician and then hoping that they can get him into an endo relatively soon.Glad to hear he is doing better. Hopefully you can get him into an endo soon!

[liz]

Just seeing this now, hugs to you and DS. How stressful. Sending PT your way!

[Philly Mom]

thanks for checking on us. The night went well. His BS was 179 at 10:30pm, 117 at 12:30pm, 111 at 4:30am, and 78 at 9:30am. At the 4:30am check he seemed like himself again. I don't know how to explain it other than to say he just felt like him to me....like his spark was back. He's eating breakfast now. I plan to feed him frequently today and keep checking his blood sugar. I'm calling the pediatrician and then hoping that they can get him into an endo relatively soon.

Great to hear! And I completely understand what you mean about how he finally is himself again. This sounds like the worst episode you have had. Hopefully, it is a blip but your ped needs to get you an immediate endo appointment. I would call the endo now anyway and give them all the info and get an appointment. My ped had me call and schedule one, so they had all the details, and then when the first appointment was more than a week away, she called herself and had them call me with an appointment three days later.


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[megs4413]

Great to hear! And I completely understand what you mean about how he finally is himself again. This sounds like the worst episode you have had. Hopefully, it is a blip but your ped needs to get you an immediate endo appointment. I would call the endo now anyway and give them all the info and get an appointment. My ped had me call and schedule one, so they had all the details, and then when the first appointment was more than a week away, she called herself and had them call me with an appointment three days later.


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yes, this is by far our worst episode that I've seen. I called the pedi and said we needed an endo referral asap. the nurse said the pedi wanted to see us first, but I honestly don't see the point. she said the endo would need the "documentation" and i said I'd rather speak to the pedi directly and see if we can just get straight to the endo. I have a call into an endo but haven't gotten a call back yet.

I had no idea not sleeping would do this to him. It makes me feel really blessed that other sleepovers he's been on have gone well. I can't imagine if he'd been at someone else's house and woke up that way. :(

Thanks for the support everyone. It's been a rough 24 hours.

[bisous]

Oh I'm sorry to hear this. My DD is squawking right now but let me see if I can drag up a link to some good meters. Most are decent enough. Sometimes we've had artificially crazy low numbers but we always retest in such instances. You had enough low numbers that I suspect they were accurate.

I definitely think you need to pursue things with a pediatric endo. Some of your DS's numbers seem a bit on the high side to me. Could he be ill? But in any case, he's not metabolizing properly. Getting in to see an expert is important. I'm glad the episode passed and now you know it needs to be pursued.

I'm sorry you're going through this. I will pm you my contact info because I didn't see this for several days but have a bit of experience that might help!

[2blessings]

I am a long time lurker and first time poster but cannot not post on this one due to personal experience. I hope that the endocrinologist can help. If you do not find answers there, I would also ask for a referral to a metabolic geneticist. There are many metabolic disorders that can cause low BS with ketosis. Most are treated with diet :) Kudos to you for pushing on your ped for a referral!