Probably a dumb question, but I'll ask it anyway

[jennazon]

Ok...as a Phlebotomist, I should already know the answer to this question. As a parent, I'm at a loss.
Are the normal ranges for children the same as adults (80-<120)?
The reason I ask is because diabetes runs in my family (brother and sister both have it, father had it, now I have it).
My youngest son (age 11) is overweight. I've been trying to help him lose weight, but of course he fights me on food. He prefers junk food and sugar to anything else. And, yes...I am concentrating on completely changing my shopping and cooking habits to make everything way more healthy.
Anyway...last night while doing my test, I decided to test Cody too. Before bed, more than 2 hours after dinner, his reading was 104. First thing this morning I tested him again and it was 104.
I'm going to make an appt with the doc to have him tested. But until then, just wondering if I am over reacting or not.

[archimeech]

Jenna,
I'm a perent of 2 beautiful children, myself. As a Diabetic of 20 years and a parent for 7 years, I can safely say that you will NEVER be overeacting as long as you have your kids best interests at heart.
Yes, BG levels for older children are the same as adults. I believe that when a child is born odd sugar numbers are to be expected, but I've never heard of the numbers being any different for kids.
11 is a difficult time to change his eating habits but better while he is still young enough to be mostly in your control. Don't make it a struggle for him and you. Find ways to involve him in the decision making and make him realize what good health and nutrition are. Find ways to get him to take ownership of his own eating hapits, otherwise he will rebel against what you are trying to get him to do, change back to bad habits when you're not there, and he will ultimately resent you for it.
Good luck,
Meech

[HeatherP]

Blood sugar levels are the same for adults and children as far as I know. I know cats are the same, so I'd think it would hold true.

He may have "impaired glucose tolerance". Best to talk to his doc and have it checked out.

I hope he doesn't have to join our club!
HeatherP

[jennazon]

Originally posted by HeatherP
Blood sugar levels are the same for adults and children as far as I know. I know cats are the same, so I'd think it would hold true.

He may have "impaired glucose tolerance". Best to talk to his doc and have it checked out.

I hope he doesn't have to join our club!
HeatherP

I seem to remember from school that the levels are the same...just hoping someone would tell me different before I get out the books and refresh my memory.

We just got insurance for him, so will be calling the doc this afternoon.

[gettingby]

Originally posted by jennazon
I seem to remember from school that the levels are the same...just hoping someone would tell me different before I get out the books and refresh my memory.

We just got insurance for him, so will be calling the doc this afternoon.
Good luck Jenna. As the parent of a daughter(14yr. old), I can relate. I have her checked every year cause you never know.
Cin:)

[JasonSmithMT]

Originally posted by jennazon
Ok...as a Phlebotomist, I should already know the answer to this question. As a parent, I'm at a loss.
Are the normal ranges for children the same as adults (80-<120)?


For the most part the upper range of glucose is the same for children and adults but the lower end changes. Back in my med tech days here are the normal ranges we used in our chemistry lab for glucose:


0-7d: 40-99 mg/dL
8d-<1m: 50-99 mg/dL
1m-11m: 50-99 mg/dL
1y-18y: 60-99 mg/dL
>19y: 80-99 mg/dL


As you probably know, each lab should set there own reference range based on their own normal values study using their methodology and instrumentation.

Jason

[Lorna]

Taking him to the doctor sounds like a good idea just to be on the safe side.

[jennazon]

Originally posted by JasonSmithMT
For the most part the upper range of glucose is the same for children and adults but the lower end changes. Back in my med tech days here are the normal ranges we used in our chemistry lab for glucose:


0-7d: 40-99 mg/dL
8d-<1m: 50-99 mg/dL
1m-11m: 50-99 mg/dL
1y-18y: 60-99 mg/dL
>19y: 80-99 mg/dL


As you probably know, each lab should set there own reference range based on their own normal values study using their methodology and instrumentation.

Jason

Thanks Jason!
This is pretty much the chart I was trying to remember. That particular class was too long ago to not need a book LOL