Hypoglycaemia in childhood diabetes. I. Clinical signs and hormonal counterregulation

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Published on: November 16, 2011

J Aman1, L Wranne

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Orebro Medical Centre Hospital, Sweden.

Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica
|July 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Hypoglycaemia in diabetic children causes increased stress hormones and altered glucagon response. Glucagon injection may be vital for treating unconscious hypoglycaemic children lacking natural glucagon secretion.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Hypoglycaemia is a common complication in pediatric diabetes management.
  • Understanding the body's hormonal response to low blood glucose is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hormonal and clinical responses to induced hypoglycaemia in diabetic children.
  • To explore the relationship between hypoglycaemia, hormonal levels, and diabetes-specific factors.

Main Methods:

  • Induced hypoglycaemia in 28 diabetic children by reducing their morning meal.
  • Measured plasma concentrations of adrenalin, noradrenalin, cortisol, and glucagon.
  • Correlated hormonal levels with blood glucose, C-peptide, free insulin, and diabetes duration.

Main Results:

  • Fatigue and pallor were the most common hypoglycaemia signs.
  • Adrenalin, noradrenalin, and cortisol levels significantly increased during hypoglycaemia.
  • Glucagon response was linked to C-peptide levels and diabetes duration; absent in C-peptide deficient children.
  • Adrenergic signs correlated with plasma adrenalin; neuroglucopenic signs with blood glucose.

Conclusions:

  • Diabetic children exhibit significant hormonal counter-regulation during hypoglycaemia.
  • Glucagon secretion is impaired in children with low or absent C-peptide.
  • Glucagon injection is a recommended treatment for unconscious hypoglycaemic children, especially when glucagon secretion is compromised.

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