Non-Diabetic Hypoglycemia in Childhood

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Non-diabetic hypoglycemia is a condition that causes your child's blood glucose (sugar) level to drop too low. When this happens, his or her brain cells and muscles do not have enough energy to work well. This type of low blood sugar level can happen in children who do not have diabetes. Glucose is also important for helping your child's brain grow normally.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.

An IV

is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

• Glucagon is a hormone that may be given to help increase your child's blood sugar level. Glucagon is usually given as a shot.
• Glucose may be given through an IV if your child cannot eat foods that have carbohydrate.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Tests:

• Blood tests are done to measure your child's blood sugar levels. These tests may also be done to find the cause of your child's hypoglycemia.
• Fasting tests may be done. Healthcare providers watch your child closely during a period of time in which your child does not eat. This test is done to see if, and when hypoglycemia occurs.
• An oral glucose tolerance test may be done. After your child has fasted for 8 hours, his or her blood sugar level is tested. Your child is then given a glucose drink. His or her blood sugar level is checked after 1 hour and again after 2 hours. Healthcare providers look at how much his or her blood sugar level increases from the first check.

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the cause of your child's hypoglycemia. For example, healthcare providers may change your child's diet if he or she has ketotic hypoglycemia. Your child may need to be fed often. He or she may also need to be on a high-protein, high-carbohydrate diet. Some foods that contain protein are red meat, poultry (chicken and turkey), fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Some foods that contain carbohydrate are bread, tortillas, cereal, rice, and pasta.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• glucagon
• GlucaGen
• Baqsimi
• Proglycem
• Gvoke

View more treatment options

RISKS:

Without treatment, your child's brain may not grow and develop as it should. Hypoglycemia that occurs over a long period of time can lead to delayed development, seizures, or both.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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