Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Diabetes Health Center

Font Size

High Blood Sugar Symptoms in a Child With Type 2 Diabetes

If your child's blood sugar levels are consistently 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) to 240 mg/dL, he or she may have mild symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased urination and increased thirst. Some people may not notice any symptoms when their blood sugar level is in this range.

A child who does not drink enough liquids to replace the fluids lost from high blood sugar levels can become dehydrated and have:

If your child's blood sugar levels are consistently high (usually above 240 mg/dL), he or she may have moderate to severe symptoms of high blood sugar. Your child may have blurred vision and drowsiness or difficulty waking up. If your child is not drinking enough liquids, he or she may also have symptoms of dehydration, such as:

  • Dizziness or weakness when sitting or standing.
  • High urine sugar levels, which may lead to large quantities of light or clear urine.
  • Lightheadedness.

If your child's blood sugar continues to rise, he or she also may have:

A child with very high blood sugar levels may become confused and lethargic or lose consciousness.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerStephen LaFranchi, MD - Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology
Last RevisedJuly 16, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 16, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!

Check Your Blood Sugar Level Now
What type of diabetes do you have?
Your gender:

Get the latest Diabetes newsletter delivered to your inbox!


or
Answer:
Low
0-69
Normal
70-130
High
131+

Your level is currently

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?

Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.

Get Started

This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.

Start Over

Step:  of 

Today in Diabetes

Woman holding cake
Slideshow
feet
Slideshow
 
man organizing pills
Slideshow
Close up of eye
Slideshow
 

Woman serving fast food from window
Video
Can Vinegar Treat Diabetes
Video
 
Middle aged person
Tool
are battery operated toothbrushes really better
Video
 

Prediabetes How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Article
type 2 diabetes
Slideshow
 
food fitness planner
Tool
Are You at Risk for Dupuytrens Contracture
Article