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Published on: August 1, 2019

Increased Risk of Hypoglycemia in Children and Young Adults After Undergoing Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy

Stephanie W Hum1, Michael A Manfredi1,2, Tara McWilliams3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|May 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Children undergoing colonoscopy bowel preparation face a significant risk of hypoglycemia, particularly younger children and those with lower weight percentiles. Pre-procedure screening for hypoglycemia is recommended in this pediatric population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Endocrinology
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Children are more susceptible to fasting hypoglycemia than adults.
  • Colonoscopy bowel preparation may exacerbate hypoglycemia risk in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hypoglycemia in children and young adults post-colonoscopy bowel preparation.
  • To identify risk factors associated with hypoglycemia in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pre-procedure glucose measurements from 5129 outpatient colonoscopies.
  • Inclusion criteria: patients aged 5 months to 27 years.
  • Bayesian generalized linear mixed models used to assess risk factors for hypoglycemia.

Main Results:

  • 8% of patients experienced hypoglycemia (3% moderate, 1% severe).
  • Younger age (<3 years) and lower weight percentiles were significant risk factors for hypoglycemia.
  • Afternoon procedures were also significantly associated with hypoglycemia.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric patients undergoing colonoscopy bowel preparation have a notable risk of hypoglycemia.
  • Younger children and those with lower weight percentiles are at highest risk.
  • Routine screening and preventative measures for hypoglycemia are advised for pediatric patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
colonoscopyglucosehypoglycemiapreparation

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